Iron Maidens of Dance
A potted history of theatrical dancing in Australia. A. M. Cole 1998 The Venues Australia’s first theatre was a converted convict hut of mud and stone, in 1789 in…
Read MoreJohn Stapp
Memories… Anita Stapp for the Louis and John Stapp Memorial Prize. Anita has great memories of growing up in Ballarat and was very aware of the Royal South Street Society…
Read MoreMargaret Schofield
Margaret Schofield was one of the Australia’s leading pianists during her distinguished career, performing as a soloist, accompanist and actively teaching the piano for almost 60 years. Margaret was born…
Read MoreMarjorie Florence Lawrence (1907 – 1979)
Marjorie Florence Lawrence (1907 – 1979) was a dramatic soprano born on 17 February 1907 at Dean’s Marsh. She was fifth of six children of William Lawrence, butcher and fiddler,…
Read MoreMary Miller – The Triumph and the Tragedy
Mary Miller, born December 22 1926, was a promising young soprano in her prime when she won the coveted Herald Sun Aria in 1948. Her story is a beautiful and…
Read MoreNew RSSS Life Member – Sandra Fishwick
A new Royal South Street Society Life Membership was awarded to Sandra Fishwick at the 2024 AGM. Sandra Fishwick, born in Ballarat to a sport-loving family, never expected to find…
Read MoreOne Bloke, One Ballet Teacher and Three Daughters
Hedley Thomson What does a bloke do when he marries a ballet teacher and has three daughters, all of whom inevitably become involved in ballet too? He can’t beat ‘em…
Read MoreOrigins of the tutu
Why do Ballerina’s wear a tutu? A. M. Cole 1997 This is a common question at the competitions. So out of respect and understanding, I thought the curious amongst us…
Read MorePosthumous Life Membership awarded to Doug McGregor
A posthumous Life Membership was awarded to Doug McGregor at the 2024 AGM. Sadly, the performing arts community lost a beautiful soul on 11 December, 2024. Douglas John McGregor had…
Read MoreSchimmel Pianoforte at Royal South Street…a History
The strong Welsh influence on the goldfields saw piano competitions take place as early as 1880 and by the turn of the century, Pianoforte was listed as a competition discipline.…
Read MoreW D Hill Gravestone Restoration Unveiling
W D Hill was the founder of the Royal South Street Society. On Monday, 14 November 2016, an event was held for the unveiling and restoration of William Hill’s gravestone…
Read MoreWar, Water Bottles and Song
Lorna Ellis, now 92, started as a young sixteen year old singer at Royal South Street and recalls her time with South Street both as a performer and supporter of…
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