Curtain's up on new theatre group in Linslade

Posted on February 15, 2010

A veteren panto dame and leading light in the local am-dram scene is launching Linslade's first theatre group.

Families in the town will be spoilt for choice next Christmas when Gavyn Lugsden's new company, the Curtain Call Theatre Group, opens at The Raven Theatre with Aladdin.

Gavyn, former chairman and member of the Wing Players, an ex-Butlins Redcoat and a children's entertainer, has been involved in am-dram for more than 21 years.

And he knows his stuff when it comes to giving family audiences what they want. He's written seven pantomimes and has had his work performed at The Grove Theatre, in Dunstable.

But what the Eaton Bray actor and writer really wants is to give Linslade its own theatre group based in the second largest theatre in South Bedfordshire.

He said: "It will be the largest drama group in the area and will be based at the 360 seat Raven Theatre at Cedars Upper School.

"It is open to all budding actors, singers, dancers or to those who fancy dressmaking, scenery design, stage management, lighting and working behind the scenes.

"Initially, it will be open to everybody over 15 years of age but plans for a youth group are in the pipeline.

"Our first performance will be a spectacular pantomime - Aladdin - next January and yes, this will put us in competition with the Leighton Buzzard Drama Group!

"We then intend to showcase two further productions in 2011 before getting ready for the pantomime for 2012.

"We have a fantastic theatre and no-one is really taking advantage of it. The LBDG and other groups in Leighton use the Library Theatre but that has a third of the capacity of the Raven.

"I think this is the first drama group for Linslade, something the town has been crying out for. It'll be good to have a bit of healthy competition in the town.

"I have spent nearly 25 years in am-dram and I wanted to get more hands-on. This group will receive expert tuition and advice from qualified individuals, there will be workshops, a big social side, and three shows a year.

"We will be starting from scratch so we need people to help fund-raise and create scenery, backdrops, costumes etc.

"Our Aladdin will be truly extravagant production."

Rehearsals start in August but until then the group plans to enter a float into this year's Leighton Carnival.

"I'd really like as many people to register their interest, via the website, as soon as possible, so I can ascertain the level of interest at this early stage.

"We are also looking for a number of local businesses to sponsor the group, as starting from scratch will be quite an awesome task - but I fancy the challenge!"

For more details call Gavyn 01525 220525 or go to the website www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk.

Source: Curtain Call Theatre Group