Valley theatre group win national awards
MEMBERS of an amateur dramatics group at an historic Valley theatre have won two national awards.
Bacup Royal Court Theatre Group won the title of ‘Outstanding Contribution to Community Theatre’ at the Association of Community Theatre Pantomime Awards.
Group members Michael Howarth and Dawn Marie Woodcock also took the crown for Best Comedy Duo for their performances as Herr Flick and Helga in the theatre’s production based on the TV series ‘Allo, ‘Allo.
The awards come as even more of a pleasant surprise for the group after what bosses say was ‘a tough year’ following the forced closure in May last year of the 480-seat Victorian venue which was built more than 100 years ago.
Nick Daye, Theatre committee member, said: “Everyone is so happy. It’s been a tough year but none of us have left.
“We have all done amazingly well in turning the theatre around in one year - paying off what was owed, getting the gas and electric back on and having new dressing rooms created.
“The community have supported us 110 per cent.”
This time last year the Rochdale Road venue had been closed for months, and facing unpaid utility bills, but the hard work of volunteers and community support has put it back on track.
And in spite of its problems, the group, which reopened in January, staged some sellout performances this year including Michael Jackson tribute artist Navi and comedian Dave Spikey.
Nick said: “The theatre isn’t just about amateur dramatic shows but bringing great acts to the Valley.
“It would have been a massive loss if the theatre had stayed closed. It’s a legacy of the Victorian era - there’s no other venue like it in the Valley.”
Audiences can look forward to a variety of performances in the New Year. The adult theatre group and its youth group, BYTES, will put on their annual pantomime next month - Little Red Riding Hood. There will then be auditions for June’s performance of Hi-de-Hi, based on the BBC TV show, and a performance of the Wizard of Oz in September.
Little Red Riding Hood will be performed on January 13, 14, 15, and 20, 21 and 22. Tickets are £7 to £10 from ticketsource. co.uk/brct or Wishes Galore, on Rochdale Road, Bacup.