Sharon Greally meets a Mt Vic resident who is passionate about theatre.

Mt Vic local Linda Wilson is passionate about theatre, and in particular Circa Theatre, based smack dab on Wellington’s waterfront at number 1 Taranaki St. She has been involved for almost 50 years, since Circa’s inception, initially as a stage manager, actor, secretary, honorary resident archivist, and box office manager.

She is now programme manager, and is very proud to be involved in celebrating Circa’s 50th birthday anniversary of showing plays from New Zealand and all around the world.

Sir Sam Neil, who recently died, kicked things off earlier in the year with a special fundraiser.

He was a great supporter of Circa, Linda says, making his professional debut here 50 years ago, in 1976, performing in Juno and the Paycock.

Linda proudly shows me around the Green room, where actors are taking a break between rehearsals. The wall of photos shows the background and history of the new and old buildings. Circa moved from its original home in Harris St, to Taranaki St in 1993.

Linda has even made an amazing waistcoat to showcase all the productions she has done in her 24 years as Stage Manager. She wears it when giving tours to various groups. It’s an archive and performance piece all on its own. One of her favourites is New Zealand playwright Robert Lord’s Joyful and Triumphant, depicted with  gorgeous gold stars. The play took her from New Zealand to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and onto London, with over 200 performances. “We toured it for over 5 years, from 1992 to 1997, and I had a baby in between all of that, just to take things up a bit.”

Circa is an incorporated society and a charitable trust, and Linda works primarily voluntarily, such is her passion. The building cost $2.8 million initially, and runs mainly on volunteers. “Our livelihood depends on people walking through the doors. The annual pantomime is a customer favourite. We know it’s always going to do well, especially with this year being election year. It’s very satirical!”

Linda moved to Mt Victoria in 2008. “I’d always wanted to live in Mt. Victoria. It means I can walk everywhere I want to go . It’s what I love about living here. Sometimes I walk to the Botanical Gardens. And I’m so happy the Library is back – I love the Library! I go at least once a week. And I walk around the waterfront a lot. I love walking up Hawker St., and down to Oriental Bay. And Tomboy and Mt. Vic Chippery are favourites, as well as the proximity to the Lighthouse and Embassy and Bats theatres. I can see from Mt. KauKau to the Brooklyn windmill out of my living room window, and it’s a panoramic view. I don’t need any paintings – just the view.”