IT’S hardly surprising that there would be a standing ovation on social media over the weekend at the news that theatre impresario Colin Mitchell had been named in the Australia Day Honours List.
The Korumburra-born, Sydney resident, but regular visitor to South Gippsland was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for ‘Service to the Performing Arts'.
It would be hard to imagine anyone who has given more, certainly locally, but also to the professional stage.
And that has been reflected in the comments on Facebook and elsewhere. Here’s a selection:
- Councillor Adrian Darakai: A worthy recipient if ever there was one! Congratulations to Colin!
- Maria Arestia: Congratulations Colin, you so deserve it, you are the best.
- Michelle Dal Masetto: Wow! Congratulations Colin! What a well-deserved honour! So nice to see talented people working in the arts getting the recognition they deserve.
- Graeme Drury: Massive congratulations Colin. So well deserved. Heather will be applauding the loudest.
- Bernadette Grainger: What a legend. So well deserved. Congratulations Colin.
- Murray Maclean: Never too late Colin. Brilliantly deserved!
- Lyn Carr: Congratulations Colin! Fantastic news and so well deserved. Bravo!
- Robyn Mitchell: We are so thrilled and proud of Colin. He has always given 100% of himself to his work and it is wonderful to see his achievements being honoured.
- Darren McCubbin: A worthy winner, well done.
- Alison McIntyre: Colin Mitchell, this is a testament to not only your passion and commitment for theatre and our community, but also the gratitude of the many people you mentor and guide. Congratulations.
From the moment Colin Mitchell’s feet hit the stage, in an early production for Leongatha Lyric Theatre, he was addicted to the smell of the grease paint and the roar of the crowd, studying Art and Design at Preston Institute of Technology before launching a career as a freelance designer on his way to many professional engagements, including a long-standing appointment as set designer for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
But the number of stage productions he has been involved in locally, as a director, designer (costumes, sets, lighting) and performer, principally for Leongatha Lyric Theatre, where he has been a life member since 1978, but also for the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group and FAMDA at Foster would defy listing.
He has been the recipient of many industry awards during a long career.
Colin was back home in South Gippsland on Australia Day, when news of the award broke, and has been able to share the tribute with family and friends locally.
“It’s a bit surreal but delighted, yes, chuffed and humbled by it. And there have been some lovely notes posted on Facebook and I’m really accepting it on behalf of all the volunteers I’ve worked with over the years,” said Colin.
“My artform needs 100 people to achieve it and I’d be nothing if I wasn’t working with others.”
Colin’s first steps on stage came in a production of The Mikado with Leongatha Lyric Theatre back in 1970, and it’s an experience that has resonated with him for more than 50 years.
“As I said when Lyric celebrated my 50th anniversary a few years ago, as a shy, creative, disenfranchised 14-year-old, I walked into a room and found my tribe.
“And Lyric is still doing that.
“People come along to auditions or to help backstage, and while they mightn’t be talented in sports and the like, they find that the attributes that made them different out there, are celebrated in here.
“And that’s the great thing about performing arts groups in the country, it’s totally non-judgemental. If you’re prepared to make a commitment, to work hard and give it your best, you find that you fit it.
“And, as everyone knows whose been involved in a production, they become very tight-knit and you find that you have a connection that lasts a lifetime.
“I have worked with a tremendous amount of volunteers over the years and this is an acknowledgement for them.
“But, if you are writing something, I want to say that above all I want to thank my partner for his tenacious love and support. I couldn’t have done any of it without him and at least half of it belongs to him.”
Colin’s longtime partner, Rodney Lester, works at the iconic Sydney Fish Market which has been one of the secrets to success of the relationship.
“I couldn’t have had a relationship with anyone in the theatre. You need someone with stability, consistency, calm; and all the attributes not associated with theatre.”
As well as working for more than 50 years with amateur theatre groups, Colin has had a highly successful professional career working with stars of film, stage and screen including Geoffrey Rush, Juliet and Hayley Mills, June Bronhill and Bud Tingwell to name a few.
He was the official designer for the Sydney Mardi Gras, designing numerous floats during the 1980s, along with his work for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
“One of the first big design projects I had was designing the Myer Christmas Windows in the Show White theme in 1992 for YWIBW productions, a name which spells ‘You Want It By When?"
But it’s not over yet! Colin Mitchell is back together again with many of his award-winning collaborators in a 60th Anniversary Production for Leongatha Lyric Theatre of the time-honoured Stephen Sondheim production Into the Woods, one of his personal favourites, including the likes of musical directors Carmel Slater and Malcolm McCaffery and choreographer Bron Croatto.
The production, not to be missed, hits the stage in July 2024.
