30 Years of The Mayflower!

Today we celebrated Thirty years of entertainment at The Mayflower Theatre Open Day. The three sessions- 10am, 12.00 and 2pm were extremely busy, and Lee Redwood and I were meeting and greeting on behalf of Pantoland. We covered all areas- a dressing room set up with some of my costumes for exploring, and a bit of piano playing from the both of us on the stage!

Some old fossils on stage! Here’s the actual “Night In A Museum” prop dinasaur supplied by The Twins FX, along with their spectacular Pumpkin Coach, a truck of Daleks, and a sinister saw!

We toured the building, as did the public- stopping for photographs along the way- and visited the backstage, restaurant and the exciting heritage room where I came across a couple of former triumphs here in the Mayflower- Cinderella programmes with Paul Nicholas, Jan Hunt, Fern Britton and Dame Hilda Bracket- what a lovely season that was- and a set of photos from our Brian Conley Cinderella later on.

Here’s what I found halfway down the grand staircase in a display case! Early Ellacott & Robbins!

Here’s my ballgown from that Brian Conley Cinderella back in the “East” Dressing room it was in originally when Peter Robbins and I were doing the pantomime here. I set the room up as if the Ugly Sisters were in residence once again.

Here’s Lesley Joseph’s “Robinson Crusoe” costume in the foyer- she could wear that for “Strictly” I reckon- and Gok’s costume also on display.

A really great day- the theatre tours took in exhibitions of make-up and wigs, displays of signed and audio transcribed performances and “relaxed” performances- on stage we had dance and scenic effects, a ballet exhibition and some excellent information at every corner from the Mayflower’s army of staff and supporters. Thanks Sara Scott for inviting us- and thank you Robin, Kerryann and Mike for looking after us so ell!

Sadly it was the last day at The Mayflower for Mike Evans who leaves for freelance work. Here he is with the Dames!

A beautiful theatre, and a joy for Lee & myself to bring a bit of Panto to the proceedings.

Here’s to the next Thirty Years!

 

 

 

 

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