Celebrating 100 Years of The Launceston Players Society
Celebrating its centenary in 2026, The Launceston Players Society is one of Australia's oldest continuously operating theatre groups.
The Society's origins can be traced back to September 1926. Following the successful presentation of the comedy Eliza Comes to Stay by a local group known as The Strollers, eleven theatre enthusiasts gathered in Launceston to discuss establishing a society dedicated to fostering local theatre.
Those eleven founding members were Dr W.P. Holman, Mrs G.R. Field, Mr R.M. Collins, Mrs R.J. McIntyre, Mr W. Rolph, Dr Drake,
Miss M. Bain, Mr R.W. Brown, Mr R. Bain, Mrs Thyne and Miss A. Clemons. Inspired by the enthusiastic public response to previous productions, they shared a vision of expanding opportunities for theatre in Northern Tasmania.
Beginning with just 19 members, the Society was established to promote the study of dramatic literature and the theatrical arts, conduct play readings, organise lectures on literary and dramatic subjects, and produce theatrical performances, both public and private. Profits from productions were reinvested into the Society to support its objectives, including the purchase of stage properties, equipment and other resources necessary to further its work.
The Society's first production was Nothing But the Truth, directed by Mrs Margaret McIntyre (pictured), and staged at the Old Academy of Theatre in George Street. The Academy remained the Society's principal performance venue for many years before it was sold and converted into The Plaza picture theatre.
From these humble beginnings, The Launceston Players Society has grown into a vibrant community theatre company, presenting an extensive repertoire of musicals, dramas and comedies. Over the past century, the Society has also organised and participated in drama festivals, play readings, workshops, theatre restaurant productions and countless other theatrical activities, making a significant contribution to the cultural life of Tasmania.
Today, the Society continues to thrive under the guidance of its dedicated committee, which meets regularly to plan productions, support members and ensure the organisation remains as vibrant as ever.
As we celebrate 100 years of bringing stories to life, we invite you to watch this space for details of our upcoming centenary celebrations...
Child Safe Policy
The Launceston Players is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of all children that interact with our organisation as employees, audience members, education program participants or otherwise by creating and maintaining a child safe environment.
To see the full Child Safe Policy here.
Membership
Become a member to support your local theatre, to receive regular newsletters and to enable you to participate in productions.
Click here for an application form.
Need something for your next production?
The Launceston Players can provide a most extensive range of costumes from which to choose covering the styles and periods of many centuries.
We also make our sets and props available to the community.
For more information click here.
Launceston Players expects all members of the company to abide by the Code of Ethics