Eve of my biggest year

Today marks my final column for 2010.

Today marks my final column for 2010.

As many of you know, next year will be my final year at the helm of AussieTheatre.com. It is a job I took in 2003, and one that I leave with a heavy heart. That said, the time is right and I can’t wait for what 2011, and the future, will bring.

2010 has been something of a holding year for theatre in Australia, and whilst there have been some significant happenings, such as the opening of Mary Poppins in Melbourne, it is 2011 and 2012 that provides the next exciting time for the industry.

Shows like Rock Of Ages, Legally Blonde, Xanadu, Doctor Zhivago, An Officer and a Gentleman and others puts the industry in a fantastic position to move forward, though the risks involved with some of those shows does mean it could be a period of setbacks as well.

Either way, it will be an interesting time.

Here at AussieTheatre.com, we are actively searching for and entering negotiations with potential new owners of the website. I believe this concept most certainly has a future, and no matter what happens, I believe that the AussieTheatre.com brand will continue beyond the next year.

In the meantime, I plan to make 2011 a very special final year.

I’ll be heading to so many of the theatres I have grown to love over the past eight years, such as the Darlinghurst Theatre, the Stables Theatre, the Old Fitz and of course the bigger venues like the Capitol Theatre and the Lyric Theatre, where I have so many memories.

Sometimes it is difficult to realise that you’re enjoying good times until they’re over. Thankfully, prior to my departure from the site, I have managed to realise that the last eight years have provided memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life. They have indeed been good times. 2011 will provide a great way to top it all off.

I would like to thank everyone for their support during 2010. As I said earlier, it has been somewhat of a holding year for the industry, and we’ve been free of drama and scandal. The result of that often means that the site may seem a little less exciting than in previous years, but the truth is that it’s a good sign – particularly for the industry itself and its growth and current position.

I traditionally spend this final column thanking individuals but instead I will just group everyone this year and say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported myself and the site this year, whether they be contributors, advertisers, general supporters or of course, readers. You have all played a massive part in the site’s success this year and I am forever in your debt.

The site will continue to be updated over the next two weeks, before going on a full break from December 17. On January 10, myself and the entire team will return for an exciting year, and indeed, my final one.

Thank you again and I wish you all the best for the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy it, and never take anything in your life for granted.