Guildford Amateur Theatre Association Launches Week Of Entertainment

Published on: 21 Nov, 2016
Updated on: 21 Nov, 2016

Representing the interests of performing local arts groups, Guildford Amateur Theatre Association (GATA) has had a busy year campaigning to keep the Electric Theatre as a community venue.

GATA groups have also been busy putting on shows. And following a well-received spring season, they are now rehearsing for their autumn productions which include musicals, straight plays, comedy, opera and concerts. To round off the season, GATA is planning a week of entertainment.

From Monday to Friday, December 5 to 9, the Electric Theatre will be home to the GATA Autumn Festival. The aim of the week is to welcome new audiences to the Electric Theatre and offer high quality entertainment for £10 or under.

At 8pm on Monday, the festival will open with stuntman Paul Weston discussing his life and career in an evening entitled ‘A Life in Stunts’ which will give a glimpse behind the scenes of television and film sets as Paul shares stories from his 50 years in the business, including work on 12 James Bond films, the Star Wars franchise, Aliens and Superman.

Stuntman Paul Weston discusses his life and career.

Actor and comedian Niall Ashdown from The Comedy Store Players will be leading an interactive improvisation workshop on Tuesday night and on Wednesday, professional fight director Rob Leonard will teach unarmed stage combat.

Also on Wednesday, Simon Sladen, one of the UK’s leading experts in British pantomine, will explore the roots and traditions of the art form.

There will also be some homegrown entertainment, and on Tuesday there will be a free Musical Theatre Open Mic Night in the Café Bar (to either watch or take part in).

The finale to the week will be a gala night entitled Remember Our Name, an evening of music and drama showcasing local talent and celebrating the Electric Theatre on the eve of its 20th birthday.

GATA Chairman Mandy Grealis said: “We are really excited by the line up and the way rehearsals are shaping up for Remember Our Name.

“This is a wonderful way for us to demonstrate what The Electric means to us. GATA has been there since the beginning and continues to love and cherish this very special venue. We truly hope that we’ve programmed a week that has something for everyone and we hope to see lots of local people supporting the events.”

For more information and to book tickets visit www.electrictheatre.co.uk or call 01483 444789.