So What Else Is On?

I can't remember what it was that first made me want to see War Horse. A friend's recommendation? A critic's review? The pleading eye of the titular horse gazing out at me from the poster? Regardless, the other week I finally found myself shuffling into my seat in the New London Theatre on Drury Lane to watch a moving tale of a boy, his horse and the horrors of the First World War unfold, featuring astonishing life-sized puppets (the handiwork of the South African group Handspring Puppets) and superb performances from everyone involved. Top billing, if it is not to be awarded to any of the magnificent puppets, should really go to Bronagh Gallagher, playing the mother of said boy, an endearing portrait of a long-suffering, loyal and affectionate wife. War Horse pulls few punches- people are gunned down, animals are put out of their misery- and uses a fantastic concoction of sound, light, backdrop and a rotating stage to construct an intoxicating and compelling performance, in which a goose will make you laugh and in which the heads of dying horses, craning upwards pathetically, bring home the horrors of war better than any poem on a page.

Richmond Theatre Anniversary Exhibition

Here are a few words from one of our volunteers, Leanne Werner, who is working on the Heritage Lottery Project: Richmond Theatre 110...

As I’m sure you are already aware, Richmond Theatre will see the culmination of its 110 year celebrations with the launch in September of a new exhibition tracing its history.

This isn’t just any exhibition, but the work of 13 volunteers, including me, who have been tracing the history of the Theatre’s development. The exhibition will reflect Richmond Theatre’s rich theatrical history from serious plays to pantomimes to its musical offerings which have been as diverse as Rocky Horror and Russian ballet.

It will also reflect the memories of those who have been connected with the Theatre – ex-employees, cast members, audiences and patrons. So, if you do have any memories please contact Eleanor Packham – 0208 332 4526 or eleanorpackham@theambassadors.com. Better still if you have any memorabilia relating to the theatre (like photos, old programmes or posters) which you could loan to the Museum for the exhibition, we would all be extremely grateful!

Looking back through the archives I was surprised to find that the stage has seen many great artists including– Charlie Chaplin (my favourite!), Ralph Richardson, Alec Guiness, Omar Sharif, Glenda Jackson, Ian McKellen to name but a few! I am sure that we will uncover lots more interesting facts and stories in the coming months-I just can’t wait!

On the anniversary of Richmond Theatre’s first performance, Saturday 18th September, the exhibition will open at the Museum of Richmond in Whittaker Avenue (Tues-Sat 11-5 until the year end). So please come and visit! This will also coincide with London’s Open House weekend in which Richmond Theatre will participate, so visitors will be able to call at both venues that day and get a real sense of ‘then and now’ (and find out about all the juicy secrets!)