Here’s our monthly round-up of venue news!

DARTFORD PRIDE

The Orchard Theatre, in Partnership with Dartford Borough Council, were proud to present Dartford Pride 2023 last month.

The event was a fantastic platform to represent and support the local LGBTQIA+ community and took place outside The Orchard Theatre, with an outdoor stage and live performances.

The event included returning performances from River Medway and Queenz as well as new entertainment from Pride host X Factor’s Anton Stephans, and Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima, along with his associate choreographer Giada Lini. West End performers Carl Mann (Wicked), Courtney Stapleton (Six) and Scott Sutcliffe (Mamma Mia), also performed a West End Megamix of favourite songs from the shows.

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Venue Marketing Executive, Kay Hadley, said: “It was a fantastic day that really brought the community together. Despite the train strikes and the constant rain, the crowds showed up, stayed all day and embodied the spirit of Pride as they enjoyed all the acts.”

SCAVENGERS!

Team Trafalgar Theatre took part in a Summer Scavenger Hunt which took them all over the West End! The teams were given various challenges including looking ‘chill’ in front of a library, recreating The Beatles’ infamous Abbey Road cover and not following the directions on a street sign. Along with a variety of trivia, teams could also be awarded bonus points for answering question about Trafalgar Theatre! ‘The Norms’ came out victorious in the end with a total of 1045 points! It was a lovely day in the sunshine followed by some drinks by the river!

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SPREADING SOME CHURCHILL CHEER

Churchill Theatre Bromley has launched a new award for its team, because the existing awards just didn’t cover how amazing they are! They have coined a ‘Churchill Cheer’ for Moments of Greatness. Sandra and Megan (above middle and right) achieved this award for an incredible, life saving achievement during a First Aid situation, along with Heather (above left) for achieving a Distinction in a recent qualification. Venue Marketing Executive, Jemima Rex, said: “We’re always so proud of Team Churchill and they keep finding new ways to impress us!”

SARAH’S TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Sarah Gibson, Customer Engagement and Ticketing Supervisor at G Live, finally got the chance to visit the Trafalgar Tickets Contact Centre at Southend recently and stopped by to take a selfie outside the Palace Theatre Westcliffe. Sarah was working at the Palace Theatre between 1982-1983, an amazing 40 years ago in her first ASM job in Rep Theatre and got her Equity card. She was in stage management for 20 years and then changed careers to become a parent. Sarah has been based at G Live for the past 5 years.

AMAZING PAVILION DISCOVERY

Hayles and Howe plasterers were recently carrying out some roof repairs at the Pavilion Theatre Glasgow when they stumbled across the ashes of an old variety performer who asked for them to be stored there.

The ashes are of the much-admired and loved Glasgow comedian Tommy Morgan who was born in Bridgeton in 1898. He became a huge music hall star in the 30s, 40s and 50s, starring in numerous pantos and shows across Scotland. Glasgow audiences loved his cheeky face and gallus chat and he was often seen on stage at the likes of the Pavilion and the Metropole.

AND RELAX…

White Rock Hastings Front of House member Nichole Bird (above) took on the 20 Mins of Yoga a Day Challenge in July to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

On 27 July, she organised and led an hour-long yoga class in the White Rock’s Sussex Studio. It was a fun and accessible beginners flow session suitable for everyone.

She shared videos throughout the whole month of her daily yoga on her social media stories.

Nichole said: “Thank you to the lovely group that came along to support my fundraising challenge. Philanthropy and fitness – what’s not to like? I have now raised £187 and the campaign has raised nearly £60,000 nationally.”

You can still support Nichole here.