Free activities, theatre workshops, musical performances and heaps of nostalgia are set to mark Bournemouth Pavilion’s ninetieth anniversary this month.
On Saturday 16 March between 11am and 5pm the town’s Grade II listed theatre and ballroom will be throwing open its doors to all for a free-to-attend community open day.
Accomplished musician and seasoned performer Cameron Lloyd will open the event in the main auditorium, playing a selection of popular tunes and Disney hits on the theatre’s 1929 Compton Organ.
A 200-strong community choir, with youngsters from Muscliff Primary, St Katharine’s C of E Primary, Jewell Academy, Pokesdown Community School, Stourfield’s Infant and Junior Schools, and St Walburgas Catholic Primary, will debut with a medley of songs from the 1920s to the present day.
Students from the Pavilion Youth Theatre will present a special preview from their forthcoming show Grimm Tales written by Philip Pullman. Strolling theatrical performances from the Pavilion Adult Theatre group will convey ghostly accounts and recreate historical stories from the theatre’s ninety year history. There will even be the opportunity for young budding performers to have a go and join in a special theatre workshop.
Guided backstage tours will take visitors into areas which are usually closed to the public, and there will be the opportunity to try on costumes in the dressing rooms and experience being on stage.
A ‘find the star treasure hunt’ will encourage young explorers to discover interesting features dotted around the building and there will be free face painting. Copies of archived material, including photographs and show programmes will be displayed in the corridors, kindly supported by the Cinema Theatre Association. In addition a series of 1920s and 1930s vintage vehicles will exhibited in the car park.
The day will close with a special screening of Enchanting Bournemouth – a 1958 Bournemouth Council Production.
“This is just one of the special events taking place this month to mark Bournemouth Pavilion’s ninetieth year,
says Pat Coyne, BH Live’s Director of Venues and Events.
“Our open day will give visitors and local residents the opportunity to see some of our upcoming talent and also experience a snapshot the theatre’s wonderful past.”
More information about the open day, and other events and activities to commemorate the ninetieth anniversary, is at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council.
This Grade II listed venue opened on Tuesday 19 March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, dances and fashion shows throughout the year.
Its facilities complement events at Bournemouth International Centre and for corporate presentations, product launches, and smaller conferences and exhibitions.
Bournemouth Pavilion is also home to Pavilion Dance South West and the Pavilion at AUB rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
For more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
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About BH Live
BH Live is the south coast’s leading operator of leisure and event venues; a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.
With more than five million visits a year and £42 million turnover we are changing lives and are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.
In 2017/18 we had 4.5 million leisure centre attendances, hosted more than 500 events and sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment event tickets. We also welcomed 59,000 conference and exhibition delegates.
This generated an estimated £53 million in local economic benefit.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
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