Coralie Wood

Hall of
Fame

In the early 1970s Coralie brought Theatre Restaurant to Canberra. There would have been very few Canberrans…

In the Spotlight: Coralie Wood

In the early 1970s, Coralie revolutionised Canberra’s theatre scene by introducing Theatre Restaurant, a concept that brought immersive, cabaret-style performances to eager local audiences. Her shows became cultural landmarks throughout the 1970s and ’80s — so much so that very few Canberrans of that era escaped the magic of a Coralie production.

But Coralie wasn’t just about the spotlight — she brought innovation behind the scenes too, introducing computerised ticketing to Canberra, streamlining theatre operations and transforming the audience experience.

Her passion for theatre, her extraordinary network of performers (who would sometimes end up playing piano in her own lounge room), and her natural skill in publicity led to her most defining contribution: The Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Awards, founded and funded by Coralie in 1994. What began as a bold idea became a monumental institution — giving thousands of performers and creatives the recognition they so richly deserve.

Moments that Matter

Did You Know? 🪄

Theatre Restaurant Pioneer: Brought the format to Canberra in the 1970s — her shows were legendary.
First to Go Digital: Introduced computerised ticketing to the local theatre scene.
Impromptu Performances: Hosted world-class entertainers in her own home for intimate salon-style performances.
PR Powerhouse: Still contributes to the arts through expert theatre publicity.
Founder of the CAT Awards: Created Australia’s most comprehensive regional theatre awards in 1994.

A Lasting Legacy 🎖️

Coralie’s passion for grassroots theatre has never wavered. She believes that everything starts at the community level — in schools, in local halls, on makeshift stages — and that the people who contribute there deserve applause just as thunderous as those on major stages.

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