Hall Stories
Hall Stories
Podcast Description
Comedian, writer & actor Damian Callinan, has got his hands on the master key to every hall in Australia and has decided to tell their story one by one. After immersing himself in the community of a particular hall or meeting place, he'll deliver a curated episode based on interviews with locals, field research and forensically going through other people's stuff. Hall Stories documents the history, characters, events, quirks, yarns and the important role that the hall plays in Australian life. damiancallinan.substack.com
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the historical significance and community roles of Australian halls, with episodes detailing events like the Tallygaroopna Memorial Hall's centenary celebrations and the quirky rivalry reflected in the Yando Hall football melee. It explores themes such as local folklore, architectural uniqueness, and the social dynamics surrounding these halls.
Comedian, writer & actor Damian Callinan, has got his hands on the master key to every hall in Australia and has decided to tell their story one by one. After immersing himself in the community of a particular hall or meeting place, he’ll deliver a curated episode based on interviews with locals, field research and forensically going through other people’s stuff. Hall Stories documents the history, characters, events, quirks, yarns and the important role that the hall plays in Australian life.
Did you know that ….
* The first group to perform at the Frankston Arts Centre was the Frankston High School Concert Band, who played in the excavation hole?
* Sal Upton, who was playing a roaming character at the opening event, was initially kicked out of the foyer by Prime Minister Paul Keating’s security detail?
* The lost property box in the box office has, on some occasions, contained post coital underwear?
* The Frankston Arts Centre ghost light is called Ghosty Mc Ghostface
* On opening night of Peninsula Grammar’s production of Sweeney Todd, Sammy J hid up on the roof with a female co-star while the rest of company bumped out. He got out of doing work, but didn’t get the kiss he was hoping for.
This episode is full of so much love, humour and pathos as staff, patrons and artists alike, express their affection for the wonderful Frankston Arts Centre. This project was conducted for the 30th anniversary of FAC in 2025.
(The current Frankston Arts Centre staff model their modern day mufti against the original Cultural Centre uniforms circa 1995)
( The over-aged work experience kid does a bit of ushering)
(Paul Keating on opening night, looking bemused about why his biography isn’t on the library shelves)
(Sammy J on stage in ‘The Kangaroo Effect’, his main stage debut as a solo act. Once more after the show, he hid on the roof during the bump out)
(The author giving Josh the tech some help with rolling leads)
(Ghosty McGhostface)
(The author being forced to clear up his own glitter)
(The author and team leader of programming, Cath Hedge, reliving her previous work as stage manager of Circus Oz on the Frankston Arts Centre stage)
(The Frankston High School Concert Band playing in the Cultural Centre excavation hole circa 1994)
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