Tin Shed turns 30: a generation of local theatre at Phoenix

If you ask a theatre lover in Logan about the Tin Shed, they’ll know exactly what you mean. 

The now-iconic Tin Shed at Beenleigh Showgrounds is home to Phoenix Ensemble, which turns 30 in 2023 and produces 4 shows a year – ranging from family favourites and classic blockbusters to  lesser-known and locally-written productions – as well as 2 performances by their Young Performers group.  

Its 100-seat theatre and small stage doesn’t hold members back from producing sweeping Broadway productions: it just allows them to be more creative and give audiences an immersive experience. 

‘I love the way we can reimagine shows in the space we have here,’ artistic director Shane Webb says. 

‘It is small and intimate, which creates a whole different experience for audiences, and it never holds us back from trying something new.’  

‘I really love the intimacy of the Tin Shed – you are able to feel all of the emotions of the show, whether you are on the stage or watching in the audience,’ agrees theatre operations manager – and Patrick in Phoenix’s current production of Spongebob Squarepants – Harley Roy. 

‘My first performance here was in Young Frank in 2018 and I remember feeling terrified that I could pretty much reach out and touch the audience because they were so close. But now I love it and I can’t imagine performing anywhere else. I love being able to interact with the audience and feel their energy. 

‘We use the stairs and the aisles to ensure we use all the space we possibly can, and it really makes everyone a part of the show.’ 

Opening in 1993, Phoenix quickly became a beloved spot for the community – for actors, audiences and anyone who wanted to feel part of something. 

‘The community around Phoenix is so tight – we call ourselves a family because it does feel like that,’ Harley says.  

For their 30th year, the team is planning some special events, including a birthday party and bringing together Phoenix alumni. 

‘It is always great to reconnect with people who have been part of Phoenix,’ Harley says – adding that it also happens organically. 

‘We are starting to see now that some of our cast or youth members are children of people who have been part of our shows, so seeing that generational turnaround is great.’ 

Beyond the immersive, high-quality stage experiences is the heart of Phoenix – a community everyone can feel part of, whether or not they are onstage. 

‘Community theatre can really be a lifeline for some people,’ Shane says. 

‘We try to ensure people can always be involved – whether that’s helping with sets or costumes, or however they want to be part of what we are creating. 

‘Representation is also very important to us, so we really want to ensure that we cast people of colour, and different gender identities and sexualities.’ 

Harley says it was the culture at Phoenix that ensured they went from one-time cast member to permanent fixture at the company.  

‘I’ve stayed for 4 years and plan on being here for much longer – it is so welcoming and such a great place to be. 

‘People know it is a safe space. The community is amazing, we have regular working bees where people come in their scruffy clothes and roll their sleeves up, we blast music and we get so much work done – but when we leave, we have sore cheeks from laughing so much.’ 

For information about upcoming shows at Phoenix, and how to be part of the community, head to the website and Facebook page.  

By Sharon Worboys