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Douglas Theatre Arts Group Inc
20 years ago a small group of locals had a dream, “a small place to put on some shows”, they found a building, sought funding from council, local residents and the bank; and in typical Aussie style they ‘got it done’. Combining hard work and dreams they crafted the Clink Theatre, a wonderful building, full of history and life. What once was the old police lock-up was moved to its new location and became a majestic little theatre. This beautiful auditorium, with perfect acoustics, complete with full theatre accoutrements, 120 tiered seating, back stage, dressing room, wardrobe and sets area, foyer, box office and the best little bar in town, plays host to local and travelling artists alike. It is truly one of a kind and is here ready and waiting for you to visit!
Until Christopher Skase arrived in the 1980s Port Douglas was the archetypal Queensland coastal village – small, quiet and not wishing to be disturbed . But there was always a strong theatrical element – boisterous, fun-loving and irreverent.
Under various names – Port Douglas Players, the Troubadours – revues and plays were put on wherever a venue could be found. Then, in 1982, the Douglas Theatre Arts Group was formed. But the players were still without a permanent home.
Fiercely amateur and independent, the local thespians always dreamed of having a theatre of their own, although grateful for the loan of hotel ballrooms, foyers, restaurants and other venues for their performances.
Then came the stroke of luck that changed everything. In 1991 the old Mossman courthouse, a sturdy wooden structure, was due to be replaced and the Douglas Shire Council needed someone to take it off their hands – for a price.
Councillor Paul Lucas said: “Why not move it somewhere else – and turn it into a theatre?” Local folk put their hands in their pockets, corporate sponsors came forward and grants appeared from the State and Local Governments. The building was transported down the Cook Highway to where it now stands in Mowbray Street, Port Douglas. With the expertise of architect Roger Mainwood and builder Jon Ewen-Smith, it was transformed into the 120-seat theatre we now know.
The building, completely renovated and remodelled, cost $600,000.
But it lacked a title. So a Shire-wide competition was held and the winning name was put forward by a local, Joe McColum, incidentally a former Director of the Brisbane Theatre Company. The Clink Theatre was born.
The name resonates with memories of the theatre’s former existence as a jail and ties in with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre which was built near the “Clink” (prison) in Southwark, London in 1599. This notorious prison held misbehaving actors, thieves and ne’er-do-wells dragged from the local taverns and brothels!
Our Clink Theatre was officially opened on November 7 1992 by the then Parliamentary Member for Cook, Steve Bredhauer MLA and this year celebrates 30yrs.
Our theatre family is what keeps the Clink alive and successful. We require a varying skill set of volunteers. From Bar staff, door staff, set builders, maintenance, costume makers, sound and lighting technicians and of course those that are keen to be up on the stage. Doesn’t matter if you don’t have the skills, we are happy to teach anyone who comes with the right attitude and want to be a part of something really special.
If your interested in learning some new skills, having some fun and meeting new friends all whilst helping out a community organisation, fill in the expression of interest form below and our volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch.
Donate to the Theatre Maintenance Fund
Please Read the terms and conditions prior to making your booking request. Thank you
Clink Theatre Venue Hire Terms and Conditions. Clink Theatre Venue Hire Policy
Booking Request
Theatre Availability
Past productions at the Clink Theatre
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
The Douglas Theatre Arts Group (DTAG)
Clink Theatre
18 Mowbray St Port Douglas QLD 4877 AU
POSTAL: PO Box 225 Port Douglas Qld 4877
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clinktheatre
Mar 27
“Let the time go by,
I won`t care if I
Can be here on the street where you live…”
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#myfairlady
#portdouglas
#musicaltheatre ...
clinktheatre
Mar 27
“Lots of chocolate for me to eat
Lots of coal makin` lots of heat
Warm face, warm hands, warm feet
Oh, wouldn`t it be loverly?”
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#myfairlady
#portdouglas
#musicaltheatre ...
clinktheatre
Mar 27
“An Englishman’s way of speaking absolutely classifies him. The moment he talks he makes some other Englishman despise him.”
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#myfairlady
#portdouglas
#musicaltheatre ...
clinktheatre
Mar 27
“They all thought she was dead, but my father, he kept ladling gin down her throat. Then she come to so soon, she bit the bowl off the spoon.
#myfairlady
#portdouglas
#musicaltheatre ...
clinktheatre
Mar 27
Oh I’m getting married in the morning, ding dong the bells are gonna chime…
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#myfairlady
#portdouglas
#musicaltheatre ...
clinktheatre
Mar 26
My dear Eliza, I would say she’s definitely worth a fiver…
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#myfairlady
#portdouglas
#musicaltheatre ...
clinktheatre
Mar 24
By gosh I think she’s got it…
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#myfairlady
#portdouglas
#musicaltheatre ...
clinktheatre
Mar 24
It shan’t be long until the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain…
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#myfairlady
#portdouglas
#musicaltheatre ...
clinktheatre
Apr 9
What do you mean you haven’t got your tickets yet to see the Addams Family… they’re selling fast….
www.clinktheatre.com.au
#portdouglas
#clinktheatre
#addamsfamily ...
clinktheatre
Apr 8
You’ll be as crazy Wednesday if miss out on tickets for the Addams Family… get yours www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Apr 7
Uncle Fester leads a merry dance with the Addams ancestors…
opens April 14 tickets on sale www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Apr 7
They’re here...... Yes the Addams family have finally arrived at the Clink Theatre and shows open from April 14... Get your tickets before they sell out... www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Apr 5
Such an amazing production and so proud of our all local cast putting it together… Priscilla - Queen of the dessert is an amazing show… get your tickets, limited seats remaining… #portdouglas #priscillaqueenofthedesert #livetheatre #livemusicals ...
clinktheatre
Feb 21
clinktheatre
Dec 31
It’s all getting very pretty as the costumes for Priscilla start to arrive…. #priscillaqueenofthedesert #feathersgalore #feelingfabulous ...
clinktheatre
Aug 6
Another wonderful night at the Clink with Dolly Diamond entertaining a packed house… it’s only possible with the help of our fantastic volunteers… #clinktheatre #greatentertainment #volunteersrock ...
clinktheatre
Aug 3
Get your tickets for a wonderful night of entertainment www.clinktheatre.com.au ...
clinktheatre
Jul 31
What do you get when you add a fantastic audience with a talented comedian… an amazingly funny night.. The very funny and very naughty @randyfeltface entertained a full house at the Clink tonight to rapturous laughter and applause. Surprisingly he even found an old friend Sister Mary Annette, who came back stage to give him seven hail Mary’s and then a stiff whisky at the bar…😊
#livecomedy #randyfeltface #portdouglas @goodchatcomedy ...
clinktheatre
Jul 11
High School Musical Jr auditions at the Clink Theatre… #clinktheatre #highschoolmusicaljr
#futurestars ...
clinktheatre
May 24
tickets on sale at www.clinktheatre.com.au
Starting soon... ...