News: Grove Theatre Takes Centre Stage

Arts, Sports & Health

18 May 2007

Grove Theatre in Dunstable, Bedfordshire opened on Saturday 21st April to rapturous applause from the packed auditorium. Not a spare seat was in sight in the new 780 seat theatre as Brian Blessed hosted a gala opening night to be remembered for many years to come.

The proceeds from the evening were split between the Chairman of South Bedfordshire District Council and the Mayor of Dunstable's nominated charities. 

Stars from the worlds of comedy, drama, dance, opera and music came together and delighted Grove Theatre's first audience in a gala evening produced and directed by Barrie Stead of DUO Entertainment.  

There was also a strong local connection with the Luton Schools Gospel Choir performing alongside celebrities. The line up certainly drew from many entertainment genres and was put together to showcase what this new venue could achieve. 

The evening of "pomp and circumstance" began with a special fanfare written for the occasion by The Band of the Welsh Guards and was followed with performances by Peerless Perch Performers Duo Denvey from the Hungarian State Circus, girl group Milan with their fusion of pop, opera and dance and the world's favourite fox Basil Brush with CITV presenter Richard Cadell.  The first act was wrapped up by sensational swing singer Peter Grant.

Following relaxed drinks at the theatre's well appointed bar, the audience were treated to a second performance from The Band of the Welsh Guards.  The dynamic and innovative Tiffany Theatre College, Essex provided a selection of their talented students in a piece called "The Wild Wild Party". 

Ellen Kent and Opera International's performance did not disappoint. Ellen has become renowned for providing something a little different in her opera performance and tonight was no different with the spectacle of a fire spinner to accompany soprano Natalia Margarit's performance of Ritorna Vincitor, aria from Aida.

Ellen Kent added "It's wonderful to be bringing the Italian International soprano Natalia Margarit and the Ukrainian tenor Andriy Perfilov to take part in the opening of a new theatre. I hope this will be the beginning of many visits."

International recording star Tony Christie and his musicians topped the bill performing the infamous 'Is This The Way to Amarillo' and many more of his chart topping hits.

Said host Brian Blessed, "It's absolutely wonderful to be involved in the opening of this brand new theatre for South Bedfordshire. I am delighted to be performing as Captain Hook in its very first pantomime later this year."

The glittering gala evening was finished off with a champagne reception post show, where there cast, celebrity guests and the theatre team were able to raise a glass to a very successful evening and a new beginning for theatre in South Bedfordshire.

Leisure Connection has created an opening programme with a good mix of one night events and week long productions spanning many theatre genres that will offer not only the local community and beyond a superb and varied facility but also theatre producers another quality venue to take their productions to.

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