A History of
Te Puke Repertory Society
Te Puke Repertory has been a very active and successful theatre group in Te Puke since 1952. From initial efforts by Olive Copestake, Helen Jones and Jess Fenwick, the society grew and it continues to entertain us with excellent
performances. The first event was a play reading of ‘Quiet Weekend` in
St John’s Church hall. Lionel Litt directed
‘I Have Five
Daughters’, based on the novel
‘Pride and Prejudice’, in 1975. Some of the very best productions were directed by
founder member Jess Fenwick QSM, among them a
fantastic production of
`The Importance of Being Earnest’ in 1980. For many years, meetings and rehearsals were conducted in private homes up till opening night at the
Memorial hall or High School hall. There was a great rush to build a set just a day or two before the first performance. In 1968, Te Puke High School Principal, Lionel Litt, an
enthusiastic member, decided the old classroom on the
Primary School grounds should be donated to the local
theatrical group (this building was originally the secondary school room in the old District High School). He approached the Education Department and the classroom was transported to the school grounds on Litt Park. It has served as our theatre ever since. The building is owned by Te Puke High School with
Repertory as long-term leaseholders. We have a charming, intimate theatre that suits
Te Puke theatre supporters as well as it’s performers. Te Puke Repertory has always set a high standard for
productions. This standard has been enhanced by
regular adjudication and workshops. We have held
Directors Workshops and One Act Play Festivals and have produced a huge variety of plays, dramas and comedies,
and we have participated in many area festivals
over the years. Litt Park Theatre is like Te Puke small but with a
big heart – it has character. A comment often heard is
‘we love the atmosphere’.
