Save the Regent

Originally posted March 2, 2008
"....I applaud (in fact I'm stamping my feet and whistling) the fact that Premier Anna Bligh has boldly and almost without precedent, decided to rescue the treasured remnants of the Regent. Brava, Premier! - for actually listening to what the community is so emphatically saying. This is a first. We are all encouraging a bravura performance here. The house is packed and hanging onto every word and on this issue I am pleased to note that there are also huge queues all the way round the block. We are encouraging thrilling virtuosity in this instance. Please pull out all the stops, Premier Bligh. Don't bring the house down, but restore it to its former glory. Give Brisbane a character it so richly deserves. A fabulous 1500-2000 seat theatre! Put the high rise development in a more appropriate area. It's an awful feeling, I can tell you, when the applause suddenly dies. We are all hanging from the rafters and waiting in the wings. Can you hear our prompts?...."

Geoffrey Rush's original statement on the issue is here.