Hello everyone, it's Rick Ireland here

Hello everyone, it's Rick Ireland here. I had to go under the 'Anonymous Option' as it would not accept the 'comments' any other way! I'm still trying to figure this 'blog thing' out! Amazing to look at these pics of the Empire and to think back to when we performed GENESIS and BOTTOM's ... all those years ago! Since living back in Toowoomba for the last 13 years or so,I've been to quite a few productions at the Empire Theatre, and I often think back to my experiences of Darling Downs Youth Theatre. All good of course! In fact I often share with people how 'life changing' those 2 years of DDYT were for me. It gave me the medicine that I 'much needed' in my life back then, and the artistic and therapeutic value for me was immense. I moved to Melbourne in 1979 and spent nine years there. During some of that time I was contracted to Arena Theatre and Handspan Theatre Companies, as an actor, touring plays Australia wide, performing in Festivals and Schools. It was great experience. I also did the occassional televison gig back then,as well as playing a BAT on a Children's Radio Series called BANGOTCHER JUNCTION. We recored 65 eps and it was sold to the BBC. That was fun! Never dreamt I'd play a bat, but now that I think about it, I was an Armadillo in GENESIS and played a WOMBAT in a TIE show on the environment once!!
I worked as a barman at a few hotels/restaurants in Melbourne over the nine years. The Chevron Hotel was one place I worked and back then it was one of the top spots for quality live bands. So I got to sing and groove to some of the best musicians while pouring beers & shaking cocktails. I also worked at a very popular Jazz Pub, and again I was able to experience some of the best Jazz performers from O/S and Aus. Great hospitality gigs! I kept in touch with Judy White (Acting team Genesis) and Deb Little (Secretary Genesis)when in Melbourne and am still great mates with Deb. Unfortunately I do not know where Judy is anymore. Still trying to find her. Deb lives in Melb and visits Toowoomba often, as her Mum is in a nursing home here. So that's it for my blog rave, for now. Karyn Simmons suggested that we share something of our lives on the BLOG and I thought that was a great suggestion. If you are reading this, maybe you could consider sharing something? Until next time, wishing all the very best of everything! Kind regards,
Rick.

Rick originally posted this as a comment