Popular South Grafton entertainment venue the Pelican Playhouse has experienced plenty of challenges within the past four years.

Following the devastating bushfires during 2019 and 2020, which impacted a number of theatre members throughout the Clarence Valley community, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of a number of auditions and rehearsals, and kept the doors closed to audiences for almost two years.

In 2022, the building in Through Street sustained substantial damage when severe flooding occurred across Northern NSW.

Despite courageous efforts by volunteers who worked rotational shifts across two nights in an effort to pump black water out of the premises, the entire bottom floor had to be guttered, including the stage, seating, floorboards, lining of the walls, the sound and lighting box, and the buildings amenities.

In a statement recently released by The Pelican Playhouse, it was revealed the next step is to restore and rebuild the venue.

“This is a massive project which will require substantial grant funding to support such major works,” the statement read.

“We want to rebuild in a way that keeps it safe from future damage whilst retaining its history and cementing its longevity.

“Since March 2022, we have been unable to perform in the building.

“We want to revive this community space that provided a platform for artists, musicians, actors, dancers, singers, and residents who wanted to engage in the arts.

“We are working on new events and productions for 2024.

“Whilst we will do our best to revive this wonderful community space, we ask you to continue to support the arts, and keep your appetite ready for our next performance sometime in the future.”

For further inquiries, please contact President of the Pelican Playhouse Theatre Mark Conaghan at pelicanplayhouse81@gmail.com