Celebrations are underway for New Wimbledon Theatre’s hundredth birthday.
By Chris Madden
CELEBRATIONS are underway for New Wimbledon Theatre’s hundredth birthday.
Members of the public recently enjoyed open-day tours, with a number of special celebratory events to come.
Actress June Whitfield, President of the Foundation Friends of the Theatre, believes it has a vital role to play in Wimbledon’s future.
“Local theatres are very important, and Wimbledon is lucky to have such a splendid hundred year old ‘proper theatre,’” said Miss Whitfield.
To celebrate it’s centenary the theatre will be holding a schools showcase on the 24th-25th June and a gala on 26th September.
The showcase will give local schools a chance to perform shows from a decade of the theatre’s history.
Miss Whitfield, a 45-year Wimbledon resident who has performed at the theatre says people’s continued support is vital to its future.
“Audiences enjoy seeing performers live, as opposed to ‘on the box,’” she said.
“Audiences make the theatre.”
The centenary celebrations began on 14th April with a day of public tours and workshops at the theatre.
The celebrations, opened by Miss Whitfield, included open rehearsals, technical workshops and a ghost tour.
“We are delighted that our first of four centenary events was a success,” said theatre Press Officer, Mark Jones.
“It was a wonderful day, we had a great turn-out and have received fantastic feedback.”
On Boxing Day, the theatre’s actual birthday, there will be a special pantomime performed.
The theatre’s management was taken over by Ambassador Theatre Group in 2004.
Miss Whitfield believes the group has done great work keeping the theatre alive and varied.
The theatre offers a range of theatrical experiences from plays to opera, music hall and ballet.
For information on events visit www.ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon or email [email protected]
