Tip Top bring ‘Allo ‘Allo to Forum Studio Theatre stage in Chester

Sep 24 2009 Chester Chronicle

CLASSIC TV comedy is revived on stage in Chester as the Forum Studio Theatre opens its new season with a production of ‘Allo ‘Allo.

Opening today (Thursday), Tip Top Productions are hoping for a repeat of the success that they gained last year with Dad's Army.

“Adaptations of television programmes have been very popular with our audiences,” said theatre manager Steve Davies.

This is not the first time the group has staged ‘Allo, ‘Allo.

Back in 2005 they took the production to the Fleetwood Drama Festival where they won two awards.

Repeating his award-winning performance of Officer Gruber is Tip Top regular Gareth Pierce.

Barbara Davies is once again responsible for the costumes that won in Fleetwood.

Volunteers have spent hours during the summer decorating the theatre’s front of house areas and refurbishing the coffee shop and bars. Another improvement is the introduction of numbered seats in the Studio.

“Our audience can now enjoy a leisurely drink before the shows begin without having to rush down to grab their favourite seat,” said Steve.

‘Allo, ‘Allo runs until October 3 each evening at 7.30pm with a matinee at 2.30pm on October 3.

Another event in the pipeline is the return of the popular West End workshops. This time the featured shows will be Blood Brothers and Mamma Mia.

The workshops will consist of learning songs and movement from the shows as well as working on pieces of the script. Both workshops will be held on Sunday, October 11, with Blood Brothers at 10am and Mamma Mia at 2pm.

Leading the sessions will be Craig Whitely, who played the role of Eddie in Blood Brothers both on tour and in the West End, and musical director Dominic Ferris who has worked on many West End shows. Spaces for the workshops are limited so booking is recommended.

The company welcomes new members and is holding open auditions for the Christmas pantomime Aladdin.

Anyone wishing to audition for any of the roles should visit the website at www.tiptopproductions.co.uk or contact the theatre on 01244 341296.