Eamonn O’Neal
ONE of my favourite venues has been in the news recently for a rather unusual reason.
The Plaza Theatre in Stockport is a magnificent building which was opened more than 90 years ago as a cinema and variety theatre.
It is a beautiful Art-Deco building which has been restored to the highest quality and has many of the original features.
It even has an organ which rises from the pit.
I’m used to watching films and seeing stage productions at The Plaza and I’ve even been on stage myself a good number of times with my brother-in-law Jimmy Wagg.
But must say I was surprised when I saw the
Itheatre had held its first funeral.
John Doona, from Cheadle Hulme, died after a long battle with cancer and his wife, Heather, felt the Plaza would be a fitting place for his funeral.
His coffin was placed by the stage while, in true theatrical style, his name was put up in lights outside.
It was a fitting tribute to John because he was passionate about theatre, was an inspirational drama teacher and one of the leading authorities in teaching Shakespeare to young people.
The amazingly varied events at the Plaza this month include Dave Gest’s Soul Legends Live, the classic film Billy Liar, Only Fools and Boycie and a Halloween double bill. They certainly work hard to keep us entertained.
I’ve already got my tickets for the annual Northwest Festival of Remembrance on November 2.
This is a stirring afternoon of music and songs from the wars and pays tribute to service personnel from all conflicts.
The Ashton-on-Mersey Showband provides the music and defy you not to be moved by it.
Jimmy Wagg and are back on The Plaza stage on Sunday, February 8 with another charity show featuring broadcaster Mike Sweeney and his band with Buzz Hawkins and The Bradshaws topping the bill.
The tickets usually sell out really quickly so if you fancy coming along, contact the theatre soon.
All the proceeds this year are going to St Ann’s Hospice.
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