Curtain up at the PLAYHOUSE

10-SEP-09

Issued by: Duncan Bennett

Two special gala concerts later this month are set to celebrate the refurbishment of the PLAYHOUSE.

The events will showcase the very best of local talent and feature schools and community groups.

The first concert will take place on Thursday 24 September at 7pm.

Organised by North Tyneside Council's Music Service, around 200 children and adults will perform examples of musical excellence, talent and entertainment.

Acts include the popular North Tyneside Concert, North Tyneside Steel and Vermont Big Bands, flute group Tutti Flutey and TALENT Musical Theatre Group as well as various choirs and soloists.

Ian Colthart, North Tyneside Council's Music Advisory Teacher and organiser of the gala performance, said: "This is great opportunity to see some of the borough's very best musical talent.

"Everyone involved is really excited about helping to celebrate the theatre re-opening. They're determined to put on a great show and I'm sure everyone who attends will have a superb time."

Tickets, costing £5, are available to by from The Langdale Centre reception or by sending a cheque, payable to North Tyneside Council and a SAE to Toni Ford at The Langdale Centre, Langdale Gardens, Howdon, Tyne and Wear, NE28 0HG.

If tickets are still available on the night, they will be sold on the door on a first come first served basis. For further information TEL: 0191 643 8515 or e-mail toni.ford@northtyneside.gov.uk

Meanwhile, there will be two performances of a second gala concert on Saturday 26 September at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The concert has been co-ordinated on the council's behalf by Whitley Bay's arts and culture organisation, Culture Quarter.

Over 100 performers from organisations including Tynemouth Operatic Society, Whitley Bay Operatic Society and Imperiya Stage School will be taking part, supported by a nine-piece live band.

As only two performances are planned, directors are encouraging families to attend the matinee performance where there are concessions for children under 16s.

Culture Quarter has also arranged for 250 lucky children to get a surprise gift at the matinee in conjunction with their sponsor Expochef.

Guests are asked to 'dress to impress' at the evening event, which will feature red carpet, local dignitaries and VIPs from the entertainment world.

Culture Quarter Director Toby Bridges said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be one of the first people to patronise the new PLAYHOUSE and be part of local history.

"Tickets are already selling quickly and we are advising people to purchase as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."

Matinee tickets are priced £12 (£9 for under 16s), evening gala performance £14. Tickets can be bought by calling into the PLAYHOUSE box officer or by phoning the ticket hotline, TEL: 0844 277 2771.