Empire Theatre in Consett celebrates its 100th birthday this year and kicks off the party mood today by launching its sparkling spring season. BARBARA HODGSON reports
WITH 2012 gearing up to be a special year for Empire Theatre in Consett, as it turns 100 years old, its new season is out to make an impact.
The theatre’s spring-summer season goes on sale to the public today and it packs a punch, with such diverse offerings as Brit Award-winners Blake and master of magic Paul Daniels – undeterred by his recent accident.
The theatre in Front Street is a well-used and much-loved part of Consett’s social scene and its 100 years of service to the community have taken in a rich mix of both professional and amateur performances, as well as cinema.
Kicking off the season this coming Saturday will be a tribute show to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
Big Girl’s Don’t Cry promises a blast to the past, with such hits as Bye Bye Baby, Grease is the Word and Working My Way Back To You.
And, sticking to the sixties theme, A Night of Dirty Dancing – a new concert show from the West End – will relive the summer of ’63 on Friday, February 17, with songs from the hit movie, including, of course, (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life, performed live.
Other coming highlights include more sixties music, this time courtesy of The Searchers. The rock ’n’ roll legends will be in town on March 24, then it’s the turn of Paul Daniels.
The magician, who recently lost part of his fingers in an accident with a circular saw while making props for his act, is persevering with his new tour, perhaps with some adaptations to his sleight of hand routines. His magic show – Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow – can be seen on March 27.
Meanwhile, comedy lovers are provided for in Raining Men, a show about a nightclub doorman, DJ and barman, by Chris Ponka. The comedy drama, running from May 4-5, is apparently pitched somewhere between The Full Monty and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, with the addition of Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey and Barbra Streisand songs.
And, for children, There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly will bring to life one of their best-loved nursery rhymes on May 26, while the award-winning Scamp Theatre presents an adaptation of Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales – the best-selling books of Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson – on June 21, and more summer fun for families sees musical adventure The Wheels On The Bus stop off on August 11.
Fans of Blake will be in their element when the foursome – world-famous now for their harmonies melding pop, classical and West End anthems – appear in concert on June 30. The night, which is bound to be hugely popular, will feature famous love songs, as well as exclusive material and some light-hearted observations on life.
For those who like to plan ahead, tickets are also on sale for the December 7-31 pantomime, which sees the return of popular Leah Bell and cast following the debut of Dick Whittington last year.
To celebrate the Empire’s centenary year, audience members can take part in a Golden Ticket Competition. Those with a ticket to any performance in 2012 can post it after the show into a Golden Chest in the theatre foyer to be in with a chance of winning a prize.
For the full programme of Empire events now on sale, visit www.leisureworks.net or call the theatre box office on 01207 218 171.