Historical information

This programme is for the 1956 Warrnambool production of ‘The Heiress’. It was produced by Joyce Hayward, assisted by her husband Cyril. Joyce Hayward produced more than 80 plays and musicals in Warrnambool over a 30 year period and was a life member of the Warrnambool Theatre Company (as the Warrnambool Musical and Dramatic Society was re-named). Cyril Hayward acted in more than 40 plays in Warrnambool and stage-managed more than 50. Together they dominated the cultural scene in Warrnambool from 1955 to 1985 and were chiefly responsible for the establishment of the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre (now the Lighthouse Theatre). Both received British Empire Medals.

Significance

This program is of interest as an early example of the plays produced in Warrnambool by Joyce Hayward assisted by her husband Cyril. The Haywards had a major influence on the cultural life of Warrnambool for 30 years in the second half of the 20th century. The advertisements in this programme are also historically important.

Physical description

This is a soft cover programme of eight pages. It has an orange cover with black printing. The programme has many advertisements, information on the cast and the play produced. The booklet has been stapled but the staples have been removed.

Inscriptions & markings

Front Cover: Warrnambool Musical & Dramatic Society presents The Heiress, a Play by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, Warrnambool Town Hall, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 15th, 16th, 17th Nov. 1956, Programme 1/-