I have, since 1996, been involved with the Highlands Theatre Group. During that time I have found that certain productions are very well attended and others not so. This applies equally to stage plays and musicals.

For example the play, Lock Up Your Daughters, was not well attended despite the fact that it was well written and a funny play. Compare that to The Odd Couple and the difference is chalk and cheese. The former was not well known whilst most people would have seen the movie and or the TV show.

The same analogy could be applied to How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Les Miserables. I would even add in Miss Saigon and that was a fabulous production.

Who knows all the reasons but I would proffer the following:

I know that it doesn’t apply in this instance but I have found that the musicals, which are successful, are the ones where people are, firstly, familiar with the plot and the tunes and, secondly, they can hum, whistle or sing some of the songs on their way out and on their way home.

The Sound of Music would be the best example. On the other hand Miss Saigon has fabulous tunes but are not so easy to sing.

I know that it isn’t easy to put on a show and sometimes a good idea may have to be abandoned. Financial success is tenuous at the best of times (maybe that’s why a play will only run for three or four nights at the IPAC) but knowing, or trying to know, your potential audience, or lack of, is a must.

Re the Holly and Moss Vale Roads, Burradoo, dangerous intersection:

May I recommend two options for Holly Road intersection at Moss Vale Road.

(1) One way out into Moss Vale Road, which will be much safer (eg) Burradoo Road intersection isone way out only.

(2) Make Holly Road a cul de sac at Moss Vale Road end intersection and use Osborne Road for entry via Ranelagh Road into Holly Road.

Problem solved without the expense of a major upgrade to Moss Vale Road/Holly Road intersection.

I am writing to bring to your attention the absolutely dangerous and disgraceful state of two roads in Canyonleigh.

The section of Canyonleigh Road where bitumen changes to dirt is positively a threat to life - anyone not familiar with the road hitting that section at speed will almost certainly be at risk of losing control and running into a tree.  

The corrugations are severe and longstanding.

Similarly, the section of Nandi Road between Tuggalong Road and Hawkshill Road is severely corrugated and the vehicle vibration is certainly going to lead to mechanical problems.

Again someone at speed may well lost control and hit a tree.

Let me be frank. My view of local government is one of Roads, Rubbish and Rates. If they cannot handle those tasks then heaven help us.  

Why we “fringe dwellers” must put up with substandard roads is beyond me given the rates we pay and the planned drastic increases.

May I ask that if Wingecarribee Shire Council continues to marginalise basic infrastructure for rural residents, they support a move to shift shire boundaries and place us [Canyonleigh] in the Upper Lachlan Shire.  

The roads might not the that much better, but we won’t have to pay exorbitant rates for unsatisfactory service delivery.

I think I speak for many when I say I am uninterested in funding any of the Arts, Culture, Engagement, Youth or other initiatives. Just maintain safe Roads, handle Rubbish without major a stuff up that costs me, and keep Rates low. Simples!