Independent Music Theatre has announce this week that the new home for Music Theatre and Cabaret in Sydney will be known as the Hayes Theatre. Currently known as the Darlinghurst Theatre in Potts Point, the Hayes Theatre is named after Australian music theatre legend, Nancye Hayes OAM.
Nancye Hayes is one of Australian musical theatre’s true triple threats, being a superb dancer, fine singer, actor, and now also a choreographer, director and teacher. She has performed and starred in numerous musicals in Australia such as Promises, Promises, Cabaret, Pippin, Irene, Nine, Sweeney Todd, Chicago, Annie, 42nd Street, Guys and Dolls, Follies in Concert and Showboat to only name a few.
“When Independent Music Theatre approached me about renaming their new venue the Hayes Theatre I was somewhat taken aback,” said Nancye Hayes.
“However when I was told of their plans to dedicate it to the presentation and nurturing of Musical Theatre and Cabaret my enthusiasm, long association and love of this art form made me feel both honoured and excited to accept.”
“If the Hayes Theatre can become the home of new work, reimagined, established and neglected musicals and introduce our audiences to the talents of our writers, performers, creatives and producers as is intended it would give all of us whose careers have spanned many years in the business the greatest of pleasure and purpose.”
Independent Music Theatre Company Director, Neil Gooding said “It is an absolute honour to name the theatre after Nancye Hayes.”
“She is one of the true pioneers of Australian Musical Theatre, and I have had the pleasure of witnessing her extraordinary performances, as well as her astute direction in a large number of productions.”
“My generation of musical theatre practitioners owe a huge debt of gratitude to Nancye Hayes and her contemporaries, and we are thrilled that we can acknowledge her achievements and legacy in this way.”
Independent Music Theatre anticipates that they will occupy the theatre sometime in early 2014. For more information, visit: www.independentmusictheatre.com for details.
Image: Nancye Hayes
