Frankston Theatre Group - Life members' Interviews by Grant Kennedy

DAN ELLIS

1940, in East London, within the sound of the Bow Bells, Dan arrived into the world. He probably won’t remember much about the war and the bombs being dropped on East London, but of course, he survived. His Mother was a semi-professional singer and performed at Working Men’s Clubs and at the Tower of London with the Beefeaters!

As a boy in the 1950’s, Dan, with his school, performed in the Benjamin Britten production of ‘Gloriana’ (Dan seated on the left in photo) on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. He was also in the opera ‘Norma’ alongside Maria Callas at the same venue, so quite an illustrious introduction to the theatre!

Dan met his wife Alma in London and they were married in 1963 and during their time in the UK they lived in Putney, Glasgow and Nottingham, before emigrating to Australia in 1967.

His introduction to the Frankston Theatre Group was in 1988 when he was “head hunted” for a role in “Black Comedy”. From then on, he appeared in many plays over the following years.

In his time with FTG, as well as an actor, especially comedy, which he really enjoyed, Dan was President for two years, on the Committee for several years and was very active with the social activities of the Group. For the past few years he supports FTG when he can and has seen many changes over the years as new members and ideas happen.

One role Dan really enjoyed was the role of Director. He directed several plays, mainly comedy, such as “Taking Steps” at the George Jenkins Theatre.

When asked what his favourite funny mishap on stage, the one Dan remembered was in a played called “Who Goes Bare” and during this, one actor, on a rostrum, fell through the floor to the stage below and another… Keith Gledhill… sat on a chair which then collapsed under him!

Dan has given us many laughs over the years and done so much for Frankston Theatre Group helping make it what it is today – as has his wife Alma, also a Life Member, who we will read about in the next edition.

We hope we see Dan in another play or two yet…but, I believe remembering lines could be a bit of a problem!!!