A 'Little Gem' in our Bubble

A recent post on the Bubble Facebook page commented on how many residents of Formby do not even know it has a Theatre. Perhaps the clue is in the word "Little". It means the club is affiliated to the Little Theatre Guild, but ours is a very little one, its refurbished auditorium now with just 59 seats, and tucked away between Rosemary Lane and Lonsdale Road, it is not a place you are likely to spot as a passer-by. Inside, though, it is a little gem. Patrons enter through a well equipped lounge bar, and as well as its welcoming seating, it is technically as well equipped as many larger theatres and can create astounding effects to support the performances of its actors.

The club, which calls itself "Formby Little Theatre", produces four shows each season, and its Youth Group for 13 to 19 year olds meets on Tuesday evenings throughout the year, except when adult shows are on, culminating in its own production in the Summer. In 2017, this will be David Wood's dramatisation of Roald Dahl's book "James and the Giant Peach".

The first show of the season, "April in Paris" by John Godber, opens on Tuesday 18th October, and as is the Theatre's pattern, runs Tuesday to Saturday for two weeks, ten opportunities to get to see the fun. This is a light-hearted comedy about a couple, played by Claire Fraser and Stewart Brignull. Al is unemployed, depressed, and the marriage is going nowhere. But Bet does competitions, and when she wins a romantic weekend break in Paris, it is not certain that Al will even go - it is "abroad", and he doubts that he will like it. So will it lead to something "romantic", or will the key word be "break"? There are still tickets available for some nights - phone the Box Office on (01704)875821.

For the rest of the adult season in the New year, it will stage Amanda Whittington's "The Thrill of Love", which may sound like a romance, but is actually a drama based on the life and demise of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the UK. In March, comedy returns, with Anthony Shaffer's "Whodunnit". It appears to be a stereotypical Agatha Christie type murder mystery, until the twists start to turn. Finally, early in June, Peter Gordon's "Third Week in August", a romp in a caravan site with the kind of holiday makers you would not want to pass your holiday alongside.

If watching shows is not fun enough for you, the club is always keen to welcome new members. Theatre is not just actors, but all the people behind the scenes who help make it all happen, costume, props, creating the sets, and looking after patrons front of house. In particular, they would like to hear from people prepared to learn how to operate all their new lighting and sound systems. If that could be you, let us know at The Bubble and we will put you in touch.