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There has always been an amateur dramatic group in Port Douglas in some form or another. The Douglas Theatre Arts Group as an incorporated body came into existence over 15 years ago.
It was always anticipated that the group would have its own theatre one day, on land set aside for the purpose by the Douglas Shire Council. Members worked very hard towards this goal performing at various venues around town such as restaurants and the Shire Hall in Port Douglas.
While the town began to develop as a tourist destination, corporate sponsorship was sought and granted by Quicksilver Connections, Mossman Mill, Santana Constructions and the Sheraton Mirage Resort.
Productions were then staged in the ballrooms of the Sheraton and Radisson Resorts who generously donated their space.
In 1991 the old Mossman courthouse was due to be replaced and expressions of interest were sought by the Department of Administration services for its removal. Following suggestions by Councilor Paul Lucas it was decided to tender for its removal to the site on Mowbray Street. The tender was accepted, the building was transported and with the expertise of architect Roger Mainward and builder Jon Ewin-Smith, it was transformed into the theatre as we now know it. It was financed with the help of corporate sponsorship, grants from the state and Local Governments, donations by community groups and private citizens and 'a mortgage'!.
Following a competition in the Shire the name, The Clink Theatre, was the winning choice. It was named by Joe McColum, former director of the Brisbane Theatre Company and a long-time resident of Port. The name resonates with memories of the theatre's former function and ties in with Shakespeare's Globe theatre which was built near the Clink (prison) in Southwark, London, where many a cash strapped budding thespian served time in between gigs!!
The Clink Theatre was officially opened on 7 November 1992 by Steve Bredhauer MLA..
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