Albury children's theatre group ends after 40 years

And just like every other year, there was plenty of drama.

Val Edmunds’ Children’s Theatre held its final performance, with informal but energetic improvisations and a one-act play.

Mrs Edmunds, who has taught speech and drama on the Border for more than 60 years, has decided to stop running the group she began in the mid 1970s.

“I’m a bit sad and a bit relieved,” she said.

“I've been thinking about it for a while because I'm 83 now and when we put on productions – this year's was quite good and easy –  but it's a lot of work and a lot of lifting, costumes and props.”

Already an established teacher, Mrs Edmunds began her group classes in Albury’s former Methodist hall, now part of the police precinct on Olive Street.

The weekend timeslot fitted in best with her existing schedule.

“At one stage I had up to 90 private pupils,” she said.

“I was very, very busy, so it was really only Saturday afternoon that I could hold the group.”

Over the years the children have been divided into junior and senior sections and sizes have varied, about 35 children at the peak.

Drama games formed a key part of the activities as well as preparing plays for the Albury-Wodonga Eisteddfod each year.

Not forgetting the year’s highlight, the annual production – 34 of them in fact.

Mrs Edmunds organised her final full-scale show in 2013, which took place after she had undergone eight medical procedures in the previous 12 months.

Recognising the need to wind back, she has opted for more low-key end of year events since then.

For many years classes have been held in the Albury Public School hall with Patricia Clout assisting Mrs Edmunds.

By now, some second generation students have passed through Val Edmunds’ Children’s Theatre and the alumni list is long.

“So many come back and say how wonderful it is, the confidence that they've gained,” Mrs Edmunds said.