Mary celebrates 100 at Dolphin Theatre1 min read

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The Dolphin Theatre in Onehunga hosted a truly special event in November: the 100th birthday luncheon of its long-time patron, Mary Gillespie.

Mary’s connection to the local theatre dates back to 1985 when she moved to the area and began attending shows regularly, often bringing her family. Though she now lives on the North Shore, Mary remains a dedicated audience member, especially enjoying Agatha Christie-style murder mysteries. Her support has been enduring and generous, notably during a 2024 fundraiser when she donated so generously that the Dolphin placed plaques on five seats – Row D, seats D1 through D5 – to celebrate her and her four children.

The centennial celebration for Mary’s family and over 100 guests took place right at the theatre, followed by a matinee performance of the current production, It’s A Wonderful Life.

This beloved show, whichran until 6th December, has been described by Dolphin Theatre president, Mike Daley, as an incredible team effort.

It featured the largest cast in over a decade, including 34 actors, children, and even a dog. The highly polished show is known for its bright colours and left many misty eyes in the audience, making it a fittingly heartwarming backdrop for Mary’s remarkable milestone.