Perth Voice Interactive

THE Fremantle Theatre Company will cease to exist after this week, citing stolen equipment and an onerous expressions of interest process.

FTC chairperson Kay Gerard says the decision was “an emotional moment” for the company, which had been operating from Victoria Hall since it was founded in 2020.  

“While we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved, the financial and operational realities of running an independent theatre company in the current landscape have made it increasingly difficult to continue,” Ms Gerard said. 

“It has been an extraordinary journey, and we cherish the memories we’ve created together.” 

Last year, the City of Fremantle announced it would be taking expressions of interest to identify potential new owners for Victoria Hall, which was also open to the FTC to apply. 

FTC general manager Pippa Davis said the cost involved for the EOI application “wasn’t worth” the investment for the company, which had struggled to secure sponsorship while Victoria Hall’s ownership was up in the air. 

“It was just too much of an impost on a small company like us… we knew we had the audience behind us, but that doesn’t always pay your bills,” Ms Davis said. 

“Not being able to go back to our sponsors for a whole year was very difficult, and then on top of that, we got burgled, so we got sick of pushing it uphill.” 

The FTC was robbed of its audio and lighting equipment earlier this year, and insurance did not cover the stolen materials which totalled more than $40,000. 

Ms Davis accused the City of “not valuing” the cultural profits the FTC brought to Fremantle when it decided to sell the Hall. 

“You have a theatre company that provides entertainment and brings people into the CBD who go to bars, pay for parking, who use transport, and spend double to cost of what they’ve paid for a ticket,” she said. 

Contributing

“We’re contributing in other ways and not trying to be a commercial venture and charging huge ticket prices, but you can only do so much with very little money.

“The City looked at the building as a commercial entity and not a cultural entity.” 

The FTC didn’t just service Freo’s theatre scene, according to Ms Davis, who says she is “tired” of trying to keep the club operational without full support from the City. 

“We tried to keep the place open, because a lot of people in the community use it for other things, not just theatre,” Ms Davis said. 

“People hired it for meetings, they came and had parties here. 

“We got through Covid and everything, and we were just taking off, and then the City turns around and says we have to sell the building…it really takes the wind out of your sails, it was deflating.” 

City of Fremantle creative arts director Pete Stone says the City is “proud” to have hosted FTC since it was founded five years ago. 

“The City of Fremantle recognises the significant contribution made by the Fremantle Theatre Company to the creative spirit of Walyalup-Fremantle,” Mr Stone said. 

“Victoria Hall has long been a place for artists and creatives to create and share incredible stories and experiences with the community. 

“Deckchair Theatre, Fly by Night Musicians Club and Fremantle Theatre Company have all enjoyed subsidised tenancies at Victoria Hall, through the City’s support.” 

Victoria Hall will continue its “legacy of fostering creative talent” as the EOI process’ criteria included “a focus on arts and culture activation”, according to Mr Stone, which the City say the FTC could have contributed to. 

“The Fremantle Theatre Company was invited to participate in this process,” Mr Stone said. 

“The City has not stipulated a minimum rental among and all applications are being reviewed.”

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER