More than 2000 children attend first shows in remediated MECC
Published on 03 September 2024
The MECC Auditorium reopening celebration featured a terrible guest with terrible tusks, terrible claws and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws.
The Gruffalo was the first show back in the MECC Auditorium following the significant water damage which occurred during heavy storms over the 2023 Christmas period.
Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to reopen the northern part of the facility with a packed house.
“The Auditorium, North Foyer and Lynette Denny Space have reopened this week after an extended closure and it’s great to have two sold out performances of the Gruffalo to kick things off,” Mayor Williamson said.
“There were 17 schools attending over the two performances, which is about 2000 kids across the two showings,” he said.
“Getting 17 schools to this performance is no easy feat and most of the recognition must go to the Pathways to Performance funding program, which is thanks to BMA and Glencore Hail Creek Mine.
“This program allows schools to organise meaningful curriculum-based excursions to the MECC, by removing the biggest barrier involved – expense.
“A big thanks also goes out to Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal who sponsor the DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season, which supports the MECC team to bring hugely popular children’s shows, like the Gruffalo, to our region.”
Executive Manager MECC and Events Andrew Bobeldyk said it was great to have the 1090 seat theatre space reopened to the public.
“It’s been a disruptive start to 2024, but full credit to the MECC and Events team – they have been brilliant in how they adapted,” Mr Bobeldyk said.
“Dozens of events were rescheduled and moved, including many of our biggest Festival of Arts shows, and there were lots of disruptions during the remediation works, but everything was handled with professionalism and positivity,” he said.
“While weather events happen and damages are unfortunate, I’m proud that the team were able to minimise the disruption to the public as much as possible.”
About CDP with Tall Stories' production of The Gruffalo
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups…
This performance is proudly supported by the Pathways to Performance Program with thanks to BMA, The Friends of the MECC and Glencore Hail Creek Open Cut Mine.