Sponsored by
The show must go on - regardless
Ever wondered what it's like to be involved in running a local theatre? Well Ian Robinson knows better than most because he's one of an army of volunteers that makes Chorley Little Theatre and Chorley Film Society tick. The historic theatre in Dole Lane is currently closed after a fault was discovered in the roof. As part of our new feature 'Behind The Curtains' he explains the trials and tribulations.
This is always a busy time of the year at Chorley Little Theatre, but the recent unexpected closure has meant even more work.
The building is entirely owned and operated by the 'amdram' group CADOS and it's fair to say we all joined to put on great shows ... not deal with leaky roofs!
Everyone's a volunteer (most with full-time jobs), so it's a bit hard to get everyone together.
But we've all worked tirelessly to make sure shows go ahead as planned.
The roof problems were discovered as part of a major revamp that's been 10 years in the planning and could have been disastrous for the show that was staged at Chorley Little Theatre.
However we did a great job moving a production down the road and we're going to use this as a chance to do even more work than planned.
Originally the plan was to redecorate the outside, rebuild the entrance, and generally give the 100-year-old building a nice tidy up.
Now we're rebuilding the bar area too, and it will all help towards a great atmosphere when fully re-opened in August.
In the meantime, we're having a clear-out on April 24 so that we can partially re-open, and for CADOS to get back to rehearsals.
The plays have had to be put back but we have several teams raring to go - it means the theatre is in use nearly every day, even though you may not notice it.
The comedy Loot and the musical Rent are both currently rehearsing and shaping up to be brilliant shows.
There are nearly 50 performers between them and I genuinely believe you'll be hard-pushed to see talent as good as this in professional theatre.
Our biggest challenge is holding on to them with many members now getting jobs in the entertainment industry.
Chorley Youth Theatre is overseen by CADOS but is mainly run by kids for kids.
Currently full-up, the 70 or so youngsters are meeting every Saturday to work on an end-of-season show at the theatre in July.
The building is also used by Chorley Film Society, but thanks to portable equipment purchased with Lottery funding, they've been able to get out-and-about to do the scheduled films.
In fact, recently they showed eight films in six venues in just nine days. Exhausting, but worth it - and this weekend they're showing films in Bretherton, Mawdesley and Manchester.
But now, various people are huddled around notebooks (and pint glasses) planning for next season.
CADOS depends on the inventiveness of directors, while Chorley Film Society take the public's suggestions and see what's available.
It's a bit daunting to know what you're doing in 12 months time (planning a costume drama with a CADOS flavour) but it's the way we work.
We're always looking forward, and the refurbishment means there's a lot more to look forward to than we originally realised.
By the end of summer, Chorley Little Theatre will be that bit more special so we'll join the market and Astley Park as another reason to love Chorley. We hope you'll join us!
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leyland
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
