For more than 20 years, Milton Follies has been lighting up the stage and the hearts of locals with its vibrant community theatre productions. From comedies to junior shows, this all-ages group brings together people from across the Milton–Ulladulla area to create, connect and share the joy of performance. We caught up with Gemma Hart, a long-time member and passionate performer, to hear what makes Follies such a special part of the community and to get a sneak peek at their upcoming production of The Vicar of Dibley.
1. For those who might not have heard of Milton Follies, can you tell us a bit about what the group is and what you do?
Milton Follies is a community theatre group that has been operating in the Milton Ulladulla area for more than 20 years. It is all ages and aims to bring the joy of performing arts to as many people as possible, whether that be backstage, onstage, or in enjoying the performance. Follies runs two shows a year and one of these is always a junior show to give children and young people the experience of putting on a show. It is a not-for-profit and there is a small member fee if you are in a production. Follies is funded through our generous sponsors and grants.
2. How long have you been involved with Milton Follies, and what first drew you to join?
I think I’ve been involved for about 7 years. I love performing arts and theatre. It’s my happy place and one of my main creative outlets. What first drew me to join was a theatre games workshop at Artfest one year and from that I’ve never looked back. I’m slightly allergic to musicals, but any other play, I’m in!
3. What makes Follies such a special part of the Milton–Ulladulla community?
Well, I work in community development and have a massive passion for both creativity and community, and I think Follies blends the two perfectly. It’s a place where multiple generations connect and work together on a shared project. It creates connection, it builds creative thinking, teamwork, and it requires commitment, and a sense of responsibility to others. And that’s just backstage. Onstage I think Milton Follies gives the community the gift of stagecraft, theatre and performance. The organisation creates two events every year that the community can look forward to and experience together and for performing arts there is nothing else really like that in the Southern Shoalhaven.
4. What kind of people tend to get involved — are they mostly seasoned performers, or a mix of beginners and experienced people?
It’s community theatre so there is a strong mix of skills, ages, and abilities. We encourage anyone to have a go, really all you need is a willingness to try it out. It’s not as scary as people think. We do have auditions but we often hold fun workshops before auditions so the whole process of getting involved is really playful and engaging.
5. Tell us a bit about the upcoming show — The Vicar of Dibley. What can audiences expect?
Well, in our first read through we were in stitches. It’s a very funny show, and each scene just ramps things up a little more until a cracker of an ending. If anyone knows the Vicar of Dibley they will understand the humour – it is very irreverent (probably not for kids) , the characters are quirky and a little unhinged, and there is a great Christmas twist. I definitely recommend you add it to your Christmas calendar of events.
6. What role do you play, and what’s been your favourite part about bringing this character to life?
I play Mrs Cropley – who is this quirky but quiet old lady that acts a little unhinged but is probably a bit smarter than she makes out. She is also quite experimental in the kitchen and has very interesting tastes.
7. What’s been the most fun (or challenging!) part of rehearsals so far?
Well, rehearsals are always fun but this cast is absolutely hilarious and it’s been really fun seeing the actors improvise and experiment to tweak the scenes and add to the mischief and mayhem of this show. It really is a fabulous cast – I’m pretty proud of this show and the folks that are in it.
8. When can we see the show?
The show is coming up November 7th , 8th, and 9th and then the next weekend 14th, 15th and 16th November.
To learn more about the Milton Follies and book tickets, visit here: miltonfollies.org/