The Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre (HCYT) is feeling extremely lucky that HCYT Life Member Kay Shacklock is organising a concert, in the Musical Theatre genre, on Saturday May 15 at 7pm at the Uxbridge Theatre, to celebrate HCYT’s founding principal and local identity, Gair McRae who passed away in November 2020.
This evening will also fundraise for HCYT with a view to establishing a scholarship in Gair’s name. Funds will be used to help students to attend the drama classes.
HCYT principal and Gair’s daughter Fiona Bailey said Kay chose to perform this at the Uxbridge Centre because of its historical significance with regard to Gair.
“Gair started this theatre group at Uxbridge and used this as a performance venue from 1981 to 1996 under the name of the Uxbridge Children’s Theatre and Offstage Youth Theatre,” Fiona said.
“In 1996 this organisation became The Howick Children’s & Youth Theatre.”
Past pupils will be among the performers, alongside some of the voice students from the University of Auckland.
“We are very excited and extremely lucky to have HCYT alumni Morag Atchison, top New Zealand soprano, as one of the performers,” said Fiona.
“Everyone will be accompanied by Kay on the piano.”
MCs for the evening will be Fiona and HCYT deputy principal Kelly Scott.
“This promises to be a fun and worthwhile evening,” said Fiona.
- Tickets are $25 per head (light refreshments included), Uxbridge Theatre. To book email hcyt@xtra.co.nz or phone 537 4943.
