Life member interviews - Rob Davies
- freakwavers
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Written by Grant Kennedy for Frankston Theatre Group’s Life Member Interview Series
My first interview for 2026 was with Rob Davies, conducted at his home in Langwarrin with Christine. Rob has been a long-term member of the Frankston Theatre Group and has contributed in many roles over the years, including President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director, Actor, and more.
Rob was born in Buenos Aires in 1945 (congratulations on your 80th birthday, Rob!). His father managed a sheep station of half a million acres at the southernmost tip of Argentina for an English company quite a beginning!
As a young boy, Rob was sent to boarding school in England, first in Norfolk and later at King’s School, Canterbury. Some of the strict rules he recalled would be unheard of today. Rob excelled in sport, playing in the first teams for rugby and hockey, and the thirds in cricket.
However, acting also found its way into his school life. At the age of 11, while in Norfolk, he played the part of Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Later at King’s School, he appeared as Nicole in a school production of a Molière play. He also sang as a treble in the school choir until his voice broke!
In August 1967, Rob flew to Melbourne as a “Ten Pound Pom”. His first job was in Hamilton, Victoria, where he worked as a jackaroo on a 2,000-acre sheep stud farm. From there, he travelled around Victoria doing similar work before eventually settling in Geelong. There, he managed a farm owned by the Agricultural College, which was used for student training.
While living in Geelong, Rob joined the Geelong Repertory Society. One of the productions he appeared in was Move Over Mrs Markham, the hilarious comedy by Cooney and Chapman. It was at this Rep Company that he met Christine, with both of them appearing in A Day in the Life Of…!
In 1979, Rob and Christine moved to the Mornington Peninsula. Rob managed a 500-acre cattle farm in Moorooduc for four years before working at Harding & Trapp TV, an electronics store in Mornington.
Together, Rob and Christine became involved with the Mornington CEF Players. In a production of Camelot (directed by Arthur Meade), Rob played King Arthur for one performance. He later reprised the role in 1983, directed by Ed Hill, with PLOS at the George Jenkins Theatre.
With Frankston Theatre Group, Rob once again became deeply involved. His first directorial role for FTG was Move Over Mrs Markham in 1981, and he went on to direct many productions for the group notably Noises Off in 2016.
Rob is pictured here looking very dapper in a boater and cravat when he appeared in Half in Earnest, directed by Nina Cooke, in 1989.
The well-known Mount Eliza Music Hall was originally started by John Hancock and later owned with great success by Bill and Judy McLorinan. Many local performers and comedians “cut their teeth” on that tiny stage. When the McLorinans retired, the Music Hall was acquired by past FTG member Terry Taplin, and eventually by Rob and Christine. Sadly, as the appeal of music hall entertainment waned, the venue closed a year later.
Over the years, Rob appeared in many productions, including Sir Humphrey in Yes, Prime Minister, Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, and Wilson in Dad’s Army.
In May 2014, FTG took its first steps towards developing a Youth Programme under the leadership of Rob Lister. It took two years to build momentum and establish the necessary protocols, with support from Rob Davies, Val Hardie, the FTG Committee, and a dynamic group of young people led by Daragh Wills and Connor McRae. This work culminated in productions of Così in 2016 and 12 Angry Men in 2017.
Rob has devoted many years of service to FTG. His work as an actor and director has been consistently well received, and his contributions as President, Secretary, and Treasurer have been greatly appreciated and formally acknowledged.
He has received numerous awards for his acting and production skills and continues to assist the group when available, including working front of house. Rob has also been a dedicated member of the Mount Martha Rotary Club for over 40 years, contributing to many community projects.
As FTG heads into its 84th year of providing entertainment on the Peninsula, we hope to see Rob involved in future activities with the Group.
His past and ongoing contributions have been a tremendous asset to the Frankston Theatre Group and are sincerely appreciated
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