Port Sunlight’s Gladstone Theatre unveils new season of musicals, comedy, variety and dance

Dec 14 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

FOOTAGE of Wirral spanning the last 100 years will be screened as part of the Gladstone Theatre’s new season.

Wirral on Film will show clips collected by the North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The first screening at the Gladstone earlier this year included celebrations at Neston Ladies Walking Day in 1910 and a 1967 report on the decline of tourism in New Brighton – and researchers are promising new footage when the event returns to the theatre next May.

The new season line-up also features musicals, variety and plays – and shows celebrating the music of Roy Orbison, Queen and Elvis Presley.

Hoylake and West Kirby Theatre Group will start the year with a run of rock ‘n’ pop pantomime Scrooge from January 12, while leading Elvis tribute act Michael King returns later in the month.

Wirral’s leading lady of mirth Pauline Daniels is back on Saturday, January 29 with her traditional Late Christmas Comedy Show.

The theatre’s Alan Davies said: “For the many who were not able to attend last year’s Wirral On Film presentation by the North West Film Archives Unit, we have a return visit, with a promise of some new local film material.

“If showbiz is your style, book up to see the West Wirral Scout and Guide Gang Show A Night at the Movies, Robin Hood the Pantomime or Scrooge, this year’s colourful all-action rock ‘n’ pop pantomime.”

The theatre will play host to three different musicals during the new season.

Rock Ferry Operatic Society have the Sound of Music in March, the Port Sunlight Players will be going Around the World in 80 Days , also in March and St Paul’s Operatic Society are staging Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques: The Musical in June.

The annual Leverhulme One Act Play Festival returns in April.

Bebington Dramatic Society will perform the gripping historical drama Crown Matrimonial – telling the story of Edward VIII’s abdication crisis – at the end of February and Fawlty Towers in June.

After their musical adventures in March, Port Sunlight Players will be back in May with Hi-De-Hi.

West Wirral Scouts and Guides are bringing their Gang Show, A Night at the Movies, to the theatre at the end of March.

There are also performances by the Flint Male Voice Choir (April) and the dancers of Phoenix School of Dance (February) and the Louise Forster School of Dance (May).

l Find out more about the new season and book online at www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 643 8757.