General News
2 May, 2025
Anniversary brings director out of retirement
Horsham Arts Council's (HAC) upcoming production of 'The Last 10 Years' will showcase a snippet of 16 productions that have been presented, such as the 'Little Shop of Horrors' and 'The Wedding Singer'.
For one director, bringing a past production back to life for a short while means coming out of retirement for a potential redo.
Libby Brennan directed 'The Wedding Singer' in 2016, assisted by Simon Dandy alongside executive producers Luke Mitton and Jan Morris.
"Debbie approached me and asked if I would consider coming back to do the show again," Ms Brennan said.
The small cast will perform three songs from the musical, including 'It's your wedding day'.
"Because we have different people and it's only a short snippet, I have to explain to those who haven't seen it before what happens and where the songs sit in the musical," she said.
"It's such a great show with lots of great memories."
Ms Brennan first joined HAC at the age of 35, her first show being 'My Fair Lady'.
"From there I was just hooked," she said.
"I come from a musical family: my dad was a singer and I was in a dance band.
"I always thought I would end up doing something like this."
For her very first audition she said she was "so nervous" her father went with her.
"We did the audition scene together and Dad ended up getting a part in the show as well."
Ms Brennan said she participated in most shows throughout her time, which soon became a family affair when her daughter Stacey and son Luke joined for the 'Sounds of Music'.
When Luke was drafted to play AFL in 2002 for Hawthorn, Ms Brennan decided to take a hiatus from HAC.
"Between travelling to and from Melbourne and everything else, something had to go," she said.
In its place she turned to comedy theatre at the Wesley Hall.
"It was all great fun," Ms Brennan said.
Ms Brennan also directed a few plays during her time, including 'Flying Feathers'.
"It's a completely different ball game compared to musicals," she said.
"You don't rely on song and you can really delve into the character."
Although she stopped doing musicals, Ms Brennan continued her association with HAC by doing makeup.
Ms Brennan was awarded life member in 2016 and encourages anyone to join the company.
"It's been a good journey," she said.
"You don't even have to be on stage; there are a lot of jobs backstage.
"There's a job for everyone.
"HAC teaches people and helps them to develop the skills they need."
When asked if this has re-sparked an interest in directing another musical production, she said this would be her "last one".
Tickets are now on sale with opening night only eight days away.
Visit https://www.horshamtownhall.com.au/hthevent/horsham-arts-council-the-last-10-years/ for more information and ticket purchases.