Celebrating 100 years of theatre throughout 2010, New Wimbledon Theatre staff are organising various events to commemorate its exciting and prestigious centenary year - the first of which is a Centenary Open Day on Wednesday 14 April. A unique opportunity for the local community (and theatre fans alike) to go backstage and learn the tricks of the trade, discover the history and uncover the magic of one of London's finest theatres. Packed with activities, things to see and chances to win some fabulous prizes it is the perfect Easter Holiday treat for all the family.
With a Grand Opening at 11am by June Whitfield CBE who will be cutting the ribbon there will be a host of things to see and do including various backstage tours, workshops, guest appearances by the stars of some New Wimbledon Theatre shows, exclusive costume displays, sound and lighting demonstrations and a devoted pantomime exhibition including costume and set designs for the forthcoming family pantomime Peter Pan, as well as open rehearsals for shows in the New Wimbledon Studio. Refreshments and snacks will also be available throughout the day in the Dress Circle Bar.
Children will have the opportunity to have their faces painted, take part in colouring-in and other fun activities from The Hobbit, and join a New Wimbledon Theatre Treasure Hunt - the winning entries entering into a draw to win a brand new bike at 5pm. Other young visitors will also be given the opportunity to enter a ballot (subject to age and height restrictions) to be one of just five lucky winners who will each get the chance to fly above our stage like Peter Pan between 3.00pm and 5.00pm.
Other hands-on activities include an on-stage dance workshop, open to anyone aged 12+ at 11.30am (must be booked in advance), a pantomime workshop for all the family, demonstrations of how the above-stage flying system works, devoted history tours and stage make-up sessions where participants can be battered and bruised (via the use of special effect make-up!). The day will also end on a spooky note with a ghost tour between 6.00 - 7.00pm (booked in advance), with participants possibly catching sight of the ghostly Grey Lady or New Wimbledon Theatre's first manager and owner J.B. Mulholland, both of whom are rumoured to haunt the building.
There will also be a competition throughout the day for one lucky person to win a pair of theatre tickets for opening night performances at New Wimbledon Theatre for a whole year and become an extra special Centenary VIP as a thank you for their ongoing support and custom.
Executive General Manager of New Wimbledon Theatre Maralyn Sarrington said: "We are delighted to be celebrating our 100th birthday throughout this year and are particularly looking forward to our Centenary Open Day. Our staff are busy organising and arranging the various activities and events we have planned and looking forward to welcoming everybody on the day. This will be a perfect way to get to know our audience and for them to get to know us."
By celebrating New Wimbledon Theatre's history, don't miss your chance to become part of its future. To book events in advance, please email wimbledonadmin@theambassadors.com. Further information can be found at www.AmbassadorTickets.com/Wimbledon
