It’s been such a busy month for our venue teams across the Group, that we’ve had to do another round-up of news!

IT’S JUST A JUMP (ABOARD) TO THE LEFT…

The cast of The Rocky Horror Show descended on Swindon train station on 29 August to cause some of their customary chaos whilst in town. GWR passengers and staff were treated to an impromptu rendition of the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp as Eddie (Joe Allen) and Brad (Richard Meek) encouraged bemused onlookers to join in as they performed on the platform.

There was much laughter as Eddie cheekily delivered ‘Mind the gap’ announcements, ensured passengers stayed behind the yellow line and fitted in a few infamous Rocky Horror lines. Meanwhile, Brad prudently checked tickets and assisted passengers with directions, and then went off looking for Kit Kats!

Laura James, Theatre Director at the Wyvern said: “We were absolutely delighted to have The Rocky Horror Show back in Swindon. We’ve had an absolute blast causing some mischief and mayhem with our friends at GWR and hopefully given passengers a little light relief during their journey!”

• 

• 

Amanda Burns, Great Western Railway Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We were thrilled to welcome the cast of The Rocky Horror Show as they brought their platforms to the platform for our customers and colleagues at Swindon station. It’s not every day that you see rock ‘n’ roll on the railway, and we are delighted to work with our partners at the Wyvern as we deliver services to some of the country’s most iconic venues and destinations.”

A FRESH START IN LIFE

Rebecca Johnson from Trafalgar Theatre is the Founder and CEO of a charity called Refresh Kits, that provide personal hygiene kits to schools in London for students whose family are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Rebecca said: “Refresh Kits are hygiene kits for students aged 11-16. The kits consist of wet wipes, deodorant and other personal care items. With the current cost of living crisis, many families are struggling to provide basic essentials. This means many students are going to school facing hygiene shaming for something they cannot control.

“On top of that, some students lack proper education when it comes to personal hygiene care and the effects it has on their mental health. Refresh Kits will help families by providing basic essentials, to relieve financial stress, teach young people about the importance of hygiene care and help improve mental well-being among young people, with the tools and resources.”

Rebecca has also been invited to The House of Lords at the end of October so we’ll provide an update then!

In the meantime, if you’d like to support Rebecca’s charity, please visit her Go Fund Me page, by clicking the below button.

ACCESS ALL AREAS!

The Palace Theatre in Southend-on-Sea once again opened its doors for its annual FREE Open Day! Hundreds of people joined the Palace Team last Sunday to enjoy an access all areas pass to the wonderful Edwardian Theatre. Staff and volunteers were on hand to talk about the theatre’s past and future. 

Many took the opportunity to wander the stage, backstage and dressing rooms and to see the hidden areas reserved for the likes of Gary Barlow, Ben Elton, Samantha Womack, Ruby Wax, Craig Revel Horwood, Pierce Brosnan and Sir Peter Ustinov to name just a few of the stars who have performed there over the years.

As well as having free reign of the building, this year’s event featured a host of extra activities and things to see, including:

• Previews of upcoming performances from local societies taking place throughout the day.
• Interactive Video Tours of the building with local actor Peter Monk.
• Educational advice for young people keen to break into the Arts Industry from leading Industry professionals.
• Theatrical make-up tutorials.
• Access to representatives of local companies to find out how you could become the next star of The Palace stage.
• Information about joining the Youth Theatres or any of the community engagement projects.

A GROUP-ER EVENT!

Last month, Matt Holt (Groups Co-Ordinator) and Lauren Curley (VME Wycombe Swan) joined forces to host the first of many Groups orientated pre-show events. Key members of larger bookings were invited for drinks and nibbles before watching the brand new musical La Bamba! The event allowed new and existing connections to form and a chance to give back to those loyal contacts who regularly attend the theatre.  

Matt summarises why these nights are worth it: “Events like these are so important to not only keep those key contacts on board, but to make them feel appreciated, especially with panto round the corner. It has been a huge success and something I will be rolling out to other venues soon! We’ve not only had the opportunity to speak with customers, but it’s been lovely to meet others in the business who I speak with on a weekly basis. Fantastic night, fantastic show!”

CHEESE AND PINEAPPLE?

Finally, staff from the Palace Theatre Southend got dressed up in flares and kipper ties for the opening night of Abigail’s Party and offered the cocktail of the week “the Beverly” with a complimentary cheese and pineapple on a stick!