Coasters' Origin...

Conceived as a one-off show in aid of Kapiti College funds, "The Splendiferous Old Tyme Music Hall" was staged in the Kapiti College Hall in March 1980.  The one night performance turned into two, such was the public reaction to the show.

The enthusiasm of those involved in the show was such that they demanded much more, and Coasters Musical Theatre Inc was born.

The society went from strength to strength with the resulting collection of props, costumes and technical gear being stored in garages and sheds around the district.  So, the need for a clubrooms was mooted and in 1983 the old Methodist Church in Kiwi Road, Raumati Beach, became 'home' to Coasters.

Ten years on and Kiwi Road was seen to be too small and the hunt for new clubrooms began again.  The then Community Centre at 15 Hinemoa Street, Paraparaumu, was up for tender and in July 1996 Coasters moved into their existing home. Two years later, with great assistance from The Lotteries Commission and The Wellington Community Trust, number 17 Hinemoa Street was added to Coasters' assets, and became the set construction and storage facility.

Several extensive renovations later, Number 15 is now Clubrooms, Costume Hire and Theatre for a very vibrant and active society that regularly presents Musical Theatre to the public of the district and offers dress-up and formal costume hire at very competitive rates.

The first of these Cabarets was Bits of Broadway,  developed by President Nick Swan, which went on stage on Saturday 25 August 2001, and numerous Cabarets have been presented to mostly full houses since then.  Further renovations, the installation of a ventilation system, sophisticated sound system and new, comfortable chairs maximises enjoyment for patrons and performers alike.

This is a 1945 photograph showing 15 Hinemoa Street, Paraparaumu as the Post Office and Postmaster's residence.  Jack Crawford was the Postmaster at the time.  The picture is from the Crawford Collection at the Paraparaumu Library.