Can you help build a special archive of theatre memories?
CALL GOES OUT FOR MEMORABILIA AS CITY VENUE
APOPULAR South Side theatre is marking its 45th birthday with a plea to Evening Times readers – please share your marvellous memories!
Eastwood Park Theatre in Giffnock has been entertaining audiences since its first show on January 8, 1973, but there is no proper archive of old performances, programmes and photographs.
As the 300-seat venue marks its sapphire anniversary, East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust’s local studies librarian Amanda Robb and head of community and arts Moira McFadden are hoping Evening Times readers will come to the rescue.
“There is a real gap in the archive, so we would love to hear from anyone who visited or performed here,” says Amanda.
“It would be wonderful to see old programmes and photographs and if people didn’t want to donate items, we could copy or scan them.
“It would be great to have a fantastic collection in place in time for our golden anniversary in five years’ time.”
Eastwood Park Theatre has played host to a galaxy of stars over the decades, from pop star Alvin Stardust and comedian Frankie Boyle to chef Rick Stein and author Ian Rankin, as well as a diverse mix of local amateur dramatic and dance groups. It opened with a performance of The Schoolmistress by Giffnock Players’ Club, after months of lobbying by local councillors who wanted a purpose-built venue for local people.
Amanda explains: “The area had always had a strong tradition of local drama, with plenty of amateur groups performing in halls and churches, but if people wanted to go to the theatre, they had to travel into the city.
“The opening of the theatre was a fantastic addition to the area.”
Moira’s work on building up the archive has been a “walk down memory lane”, she says.
“This place is a huge part of my childhood,” she smiles. “I was a member of the Lillian McNeill School of Dance, which is now the Glasgow Ballet School, and I took part in all the displays at East- wood. It was so exciting to be part of it, standing up there under the lights, looking out at the audience. I’m 50 now but can still recall that feeling as you walked on to the stage.
“I was never nervous, I was just in love with the buzz of it all.
“Now, in my role at the theatre, I’m on the other side of the auditorium but it’s lovely to think I have come full circle. And I have never lost my love of dance.”
Moira explains it was her late mother, Agnes, who introduced her and her two older sisters to the theatre.
“My mum loved taking us to see a show – she was a big musical theatre fan,” smiles Moira. “She wanted us to have the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of theatre and to get involved.
“She used to help backstage at the dance displays – she was great with a needle and thread and was always a calm head in a crisis.”
Moira laughs: “I remember once Charles Hawtrey coming to the theatre for a show and we ended up going for a coffee with him – my mum would chat to anyone.”
Moira has since performed at most of Glasgow’s major theatres including the King’s,