Welcome to the Pelican Playhouse!
THE PELICAN PLAYHOUSE INC. began life in 1952 as The Pelican Players, an amateur theatre group founded by Patricia Scales. The group was known as The Grafton Theatre Company from 1985 until 2015 when we officially became THE PELICAN PLAYHOUSE INC.
We are a community theatre organisation that produces our own plays and musicals, and promotes and supports the performing arts in our local community. We also provide a venue for local and touring artists and musicians, providing access to a variety of cultural opportunities for South Grafton, Grafton and the entire Clarence Valley.
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Objects of the Association
As per our 2015 constitution, the objects of The Pelican Playhouse include:
To promote, foster and maintain the art of the theatre in whatever manner the Company sees appropriate
To perform dramatic and musical productions of all kinds.
To perform play readings, arrange workshops and pursue a continuing improvement in the standard of performance and knowledge about theatrical skills.
To hire company facilities to individuals and organisations to allow activities that are in general conformity with the objects of the Company.
We are also a venue available for hire for private functions and community organisations as we seek to foster cohesion & inclusiveness and work towards maintaining a resilient and culturally vibrant community.
Our venue - The Pelican Playhouse
The building was originally opened in 1946 by Sir Earle Page as a "Young Men's Club". It then became the home of the South Grafton R.S.L. Club until they relocated to their current address in Wharf Street, South Grafton. In 1961 the building was purchased by The Pelican Players. An ideal small theatre with tiered seating for 96 people, beautiful acoustics, a comprehensive PA, 3-phase lighting system as well as a large performance space.
By 1998 an extension was added to the western side of the building to provide a tea room on the ground floor and dressing rooms on the upper level.
The tea room received a makeover in 2014 and was transformed into the funky, licensed Pelican Lounge.
Since then, the building has had a fresh coat of paint thanks to an army of community volunteers.
FEBRUARY 2022 STORM EVENT
In February 2022, the Northern Rivers was struck by a major storm event that caused flooding and devastating damage to the lives, homes and livelihood of thousands across the entire region.
The Pelican Playhouse did not escape this. Our venue was filled with water from the local drainage system that was unable to cope with the intensity of the downpour. Our entire lower level was flooded including the foyer, Pelican Lounge, auditorium, stage, backstage, bathrooms and tech box.
As of February 2022, the building is still not operational. But The Pelican Playhouse continues, having performed in alternative venues including New School of Arts and Lawrence Hall.
Our priorities in 2023 include:
undertaking works to return the venue to full use
events and productions in alternative spaces