Theatre celebrates golden anniversary

Opened on March 7, 1960 with a performance of Pride and Prejudice by Rotherham Rep, the theatre has gone onto become the creative hub of the town and has been the home to dozens of amateur dramatics companies, both past and present.

As a big thank you to the theatre, on Wednesday March 31, a night of festivities has been arranged with Rotherham's artistic performers, speakers, singers and actors taking to the stage in one, big "happy birthday" to the Civic.

Hosted by "the Rumpole of Rotherham" Steve Smith, the evening of entertainment will feature, amongst many other, Gillian Banks Theatre School, who will be bringing classic musical numbers to the nights festivities.

They will be joined by Any Dream Will Do star Rob McVeigh who will be singing songs from Phantom, and the Phoenix Players who will be bringing drama to the stage.

Music will be supplied by the borough's many Operatic Societies.  

To highlight the fact that they were the first to grace the stage of the theatre, Rotherham Rep will be giving a very special performance of John Godber's acclaimed play Bouncers.

The night will also feature a giant birthday cake which will be cut into 360 separate portions, with one given to each member of the audience.

Rotherham Theatres Manager, Mark Scott, said: "This will be a wonderful night to wish this fantastic theatre a very happy birthday.

"So many people hold the Civic dear in their hearts. For many it's the place where they saw their first concert, play or pantomime. It's introduced so many people to the joys of the stage and inspired countless others to follow their acting and dancing dreams.

"I remember the first time I stepped foot in the auditorium and despite all the lights being stripped out and cables trailing everywhere during the summer shutdown, instantly feeling the warmth and special feeling I still get when I walk inside and 'open the house'.

"Performers and performances come and go but the fabric of the building somehow seems to retain the laughter, applause and the moments that make live theatre what it is.

"The night of entertainment we have planned will be the perfect celebration of the history and heritage of the theatre, as well as looking to the future with performances from our younger stars.

"Come and be part of this historic night and help make this the biggest and best party of the year."

The celebration will be taking place at Rotherham Civic Theatre on Wednesday March 31 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £8.

Contact the Box Office on 01709 823621 or  visit the Box Office at the Central Library and Arts Centre, Walker Place.

Book online at www.rotherham.gov.uk/theatres click on 'Contact us - Theatre Tickets.