From Chaplin to stand-up

Jun 12 2007 By Marie Turbill, The Journal

Theatre-goers will be treated to a fabulous season of shows and celebratory events as Darlington Civic Theatre marks its centenary year. Marie Turbill reports.

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The curtain is about to go up on a celebratory season as Darlington Civic Theatre marks its 100th anniversary. It first opened its doors on September 2, 1907. Since then, it has enjoyed a flamboyant history, welcoming stars of every era.

Today, it remains a firm favourite among the people of Darlington and the entire North-East.

Performing arts officer Lynda Winstanley said: "It is a very proud time for us, reflecting back on the very colourful history the theatre has had since its opening."

Lynda has worked at the theatre for 24 years and now it is her job to organise the programme of shows marking this important milestone.

"The theatre means a lot to many people that live in Darlington and in the wider region," she said.

"They all have special memories of events they have attended here."

And, for many, their parents and grandparents have enjoyed the delights of the theatre before them.

Lynda describes it as a special place that inspires a loyal following, not only from audiences but also from its staff.

"I was an usherette when I started and I thought I had the best job in the world, being paid to watch the shows," she said.

"Before that, I was trained as a teacher, but I had small children and wanted to work in the evenings so that I and my husband could work around them."

She says the job that started as just a stop-gap soon got into her blood. "I never went back to teaching." Today, Lynda organises the programmes of events at the theatre and at Darlington Arts Centre.

"I get a thrill still from sitting in the theatre and seeing the audience enjoying a show that we have been planning and preparing for," she said.

"When people enjoy it it is a wonderful feeling to be associated with that."

She said: "I don't feel very different today than I did on my first night when I went to work at the theatre, sat at the back of the auditorium, the show started and I could hardly believe I was being paid to work there."

Lynda is one of several members of staff who have worked at the theatre for many years.

"I am not the only person that has worked here for a long time - the theatre does inspire loyalty in its staff as well as its audience," she said.

Lynda says there are many great things lined up for the centenary. "We want to mix the celebratory events with the best possible shows available. We have tried to pull together the most exciting and entertaining programme that we can and to make sure that there is something for everybody."

The line-up will include some special events that reflect the history of the theatre and its relationship with the people of Darlington and the North-East.

Lynda says this will include a spectacular show to be staged on Sunday, September 2, called 100 Years of Music and Variety in Darlington. "That will take us through different musical pieces from 1907 to the present day," she said.

The event will include an orchestra along with old-time musical variety-type acts interspersed with music and comedy.

"We are trying to recreate the atmosphere of the theatre in a bygone day," Lynda said.

The theatre will also be hosting a black tie gala night and a community concert.

Lynda says the highlight of the season will be the theatre's production of Catherine Cookson's The Fifteen Streets in partnership with producer Ian Dickens.

"It is the first time in a very long time that the Civic has produced its own show. We are a receiving house, but this is a show being created by Ian's team along with our own team at the Civic."

The play will feature professional actors alongside members of the community.

"That is going to be a thrilling achievement for us."

The Cookson novel was edited for stage by Billingham writer Rob Bettinson in the 1980s but has not toured for many years.

"It is really exciting to have that on stage at the theatre in November," said Lynda.

Other shows lined up for the celebratory season include: Alan Plater's play Blonde Bombshells of 1943, Pygmalion directed by Sir Peter Hall, Roald Dahl's Danny the Champion of the World, Lenny Henry, Ken Dodd and the first UK tour of Dad's Army, which includes two of the lost episodes, and starring Leslie Grantham.