The end of an era?
A message from Freeport Player’s Guild President Paulette Russell
The Regency Theatre established in 1971, the only purpose built theatre in the Bahamas is in ruins from hurricane Dorian. Although the building remains intact, from the foyer straight through to the workshop and our green room, which is rented out as a dance studio, will never be used again if we are not helped.
The water broke through the front door at an amazing rush. I believe we suffered a mini tsunami. After decimating the foyers furniture and fixtures it continued through to the auditorium reaching six feet. The force of the water then smashed against the stage literally shaking it on its foundations raising the wood. It also destroyed our Baby grand piano, our upright pianos, Yamaha Clavinova, (digital piano) and our drum sets. Also near the stage was the rack for our Sound system, which is now useless. The electrical panels are also in need of replacement bad the water by this time water nearly 6 feet.
Dorian pushed through to the dressing room, carrying with it the two make up chairs. I found half of one in the men’s bathroom and the other is in the workshop. The water flooded the office, destroying records and scripts, on to the kitchen (which will have to be gutted) tumbling over the refrigerator and water cooler and wetting everything in the cupboard. All of our tech equipment in the tech Room gone. But wait, there is more. Our office, accessories room, totally saturated, the wardrobe, our prop room decimated. After 50 years, it is so heart wrenching.
We have had Sir Jack Hayward, OBE, our biggest benefactor, as he was instrumental in founding the Freeport Players’ Guild the dramatic body that’s responsible for managing the Theatre. We have had as our members, the Fox sisters, of Fox Network fame. We had the His Royal Highness Charles, Prince of Wales pay a visit in 1973. Also Betty Davis’s daughter Bede Hyman was a member.
Our subsidiary group, Freeport Friends of the Arts, brought in such dance and musical greats like Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dave Brubeck Quartet, the great Dizzy Gillespie, Eartha Kitt, Jeffery Osborn, Harry Belafonte, the English Chamber Orchestra and many more too numerous to mention. All this history.
The Regency Theatre needs your support. If not we are closed forever, and the dramatic fire will never be ignited in some young hopeful.
I had a youth group and I got so much joy out of watching the spark come to life in a young thespian. My heart is breaking. I can’t bear it.
PLEASE HELP US. Below are my contact details:
Paulette M Russell
2019 President
Freeport Players’ Guild
242-727-3306 / 242 806-1208
russellpaulette@gmail.com
The total estimated costs to replace and repair the Regency Theatre is$400,350.00. Click HERE to download a PDF [819KB] with the details breakdown of those projected costs.
We need your help! Please click the button below to donate through our GoFundMe page now!