Middlesbrough Theatre Celebrates 50th Anniversay

Tuesday, 18th September 2007

Type: Editors Picks

Categories: Middlesbrough Arts, What's on

Middlesbrough Theatre is celebrating an important anniversary on 21st October this year, as it is exactly 50 years to the day that acclaimed actor, Sir John Gielgud, opened the theatre doors to the public.

To mark this special occasion, a celebratory gala night will take place at the theatre, showcasing the work of many of the local amateur theatre groups, some of which were key players in the initial campaign to provide a purpose-built theatre for Middlesbrough, which was finally achieved in 1957.

Since its inception, the theatre, which was originally named 'Middlesbrough Little Theatre', was run independently by Middlesbrough Little Theatre Limited. Today, however, Middlesbrough Borough Council acts as sole trustees and the venue continues to serve as a platform for local arts organisations, whilst introducing the work of professional acts and companies to the people of Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley. This diverse programming approach has seen the theatre go from strength to strength, with attendance figures up 16% in the first seven months of this year, compared with the same period in 2006.

"The continued success of Middlesbrough Theatre owes itself mainly to the hard work and dedication of the theatre staff, and the continued support and input from the amateur dramatic community. We are pleased that local audiences are enjoying what we have on offer, and look forward to further developing the programme and welcoming new audiences through the theatre doors over the coming years' Cllr David Budd, Executive Member, Regeneration, Middlesbrough.

The theatre's Autumn Season, of which the anniversary celebrations are a major part, provides an exciting and wide-ranging programme of entertainment, including drama, comedy, music and family shows.

Highlights of this special season include Friends Uninvited (4th - 8th September), a brand new play by Steven Ayckbourn, son of internationally renowned playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn, Like A Virgin (10th October), a hilarious comedy by Tees Valley playwright Gordon Steel, and Around the World in 80 Minutes (8th - 9th October), an award-winning play and exciting introduction to the French language courtesy of Theatre Sans Frontieres.

In addition, there's stand-up from hilarious comics Marcus Brigstocke (15th September), Justin Moorhouse (26th September) and Dave Spikey (11th October), all guaranteed to bring the house down with their unique brands of comedy.
Music and dance also feature strongly, with performances from Jaleo (18th September), bringing their blend of Andalusian dance, song and guitar, The Bollywood Brass Band (21st September) and The Temperance Seven (16th September) who are celebrating their own 50th anniversary this year.

Two classic fairy tales are also brought to life at the theatre, one in the form of ballet, and one as the theatre's highly anticipated annual pantomime. Firstly, the Russian Classical Ballet bring Snow White (28th October) to Middlesbrough, whilst Cinderella (7th December - 6th January) played by up and coming local actress Rhiannon Shrimpton, joins Arthur Bostrom (Crabtree from TV's Allo Allo) in Middlesbrough Theatre's fantastic new pantomime!
Another familiar face taking to the stage is that of well-loved actress Prunella Scales (9th September), who presents a celebration of English Eccentrics with a little help from distinguished fellow actor, John Rowe.

The Anniversary Gala Concert takes place from 7.15 pm on 21st October and is hosted by Matthew Davies of BBC Tees.
For a full line-up, further information, or to book tickets for any of the above events, please contact the Box Office on 01642 81 51 81 or 01642 72 97 29.