20/10/2026
Miranda Musical Theatre Company is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Val Nicholson, a Foundation Member, Life Member, friend and committed supporter of the Company.
In October 1967, Val (nee Paton) joined the newly formed Miranda Musical Society, as part of the female chorus, for its premiere production of The Desert Song in March 1968. Following her marriage to Doug Nicholson, another dedicated and involved member of the Society, Val was cast in the role of Brenda in our September production of The Pajama Game (1968) and was in the chorus in Kiss Me Kate (1969) and South Pacific (1970). Val was a member of the Social Committee from 1967-1969.
In 1970 & 1971, Val worked as the Front of House Manager. She rejoined the chorus for Kismet (1971), Calamity Jane (1972) and Hello, Dolly! (1973). In 1974 Val took time off from performing when her beautiful daughter, Fiona, was born. She then rejoined the chorus for our 1975 production of Oklahoma!
Val then took on the extremely time-consuming position of ‘phone bookings’ in 1976 & 1977 and, following the birth of her second beautiful daughter, Suzannah, she rejoined the chorus for Little Me, Brigadoon, and Annie Get Your Gun. In 1983 Val appeared in Gigi with both Fiona and Suzannah, her last on-stage performance.
In 1993, Val was the Ticket Secretary & Front of House Manager for the NSW Premiere of Les Miserables - a major achievement both for the Society and for the Nicholson family - as Doug was the President at the time and had secured the rights for what was the second-ever production of the show in Australia. Val was supported by her family in Front of House management for this special show.
From 1985 to 2003, Val was responsible for phone bookings, Box Office, and was Ticket Manager. She also assisted with scenery construction for Hello, Dolly! in 2003. Val was a member of the Social Sub-committee and catering crew from 2002-2003. For her commitment, loyalty and dedication to the Society, Val was honoured with Life Membership in 1996. In 2007, Val received the highly coveted Marilyn Award for Excellence.
Our sincerest condolences go to Doug, Suzannah and family.
