Derek Newton Theatre 2001

The DNT wishes to thank all of those who made last season such a memorable one. On a personal note this season I shall be directing a production of The Jungle play for this years Christmas Production. It is based on the original and recently discovered play by Rudyard Kipling based on his Jungle book stories.

I am from time to time asked about professional drama training; The Guildford School of Acting is certainly one of the better ones to consider. Here is a link to its web page. They prefer you to be at least 18 years old.

If you are interested in professional dance/theater training London Studio Center is certainly worth considering. You must be over 16 years old.

Intoto Dance Last season Intoto performed to a full house and delighted us with an entertaining range of contemporary dance works from the comic to the exotic and cross-cultural. The 24 dancers filled the space and enthused the atmosphere. Highly trained and highly talented, London Studio Center's Intoto is simply a joy to watch … if you like dance you will love Intoto! For more information about London Studio Center click on the hyperlink: http://www.london-studio-centre.co.uk/

This came from former student Andrew McCann (09/09/01 12:06:37 GMT Daylight Time)

Please find contained within this e-mail various photographs from my 'Heirloom' production at the Drama Studio Theatre (now the Derek Newton Theatre) in July 1970.

Having been the Script Editor and a major contributor to the book and lyrics for a successful production of Sinbad the Sailor some two years earlier, I had asked Derek Newton if I could write a play (with music) for my final assessment, rather than complete a dissertation on a drama theme. He approved of the idea and concept and was instrumental in making it the Drama Department production for the end of the Summer Term.

This first photograph is an interesting one, because it shows how the (then) revolving stage, provided courtesy of Manchester University's Drama Department, made optimum use of space. To the right is the interior of the stately home, to the left the village and to the front, with an extended platform reaching out into the audience, is the setting for the show-within-a-show.

show-within-a-show

Bertram Towers Interior

Village of Mosshoughton

Regards,

Andrew McCann MSc

The wartime history of the Dnt.

We are still in the process of discovering and piecing together the history of the Derek Newton Theater, if there are any historians out there who have any information (no matter how small or anecdotal) please get in do touch with us. The wartime history of the theater is of particular interest to us. It was known as Canada Hall during the war years.

The theater was built in 1939 and is one of the last remaining purpose built wartime theaters. I have no doubt in my mind that this is a historic building that witnessed both noble and momentous events in world history. It is a building whose intended purpose was to entertain a generation that was prepared to sacrifice their lives for freedom and democracy. ( Let us never forget many did loose their lives!) What better starting point for the theatrical history of a theater?.

We know some of the great wartime performers performed here during the war. They entertained both (we believe) the troops and public. We know for certain for example that the great George Formby played here. I have seen the review of at least one such evening in 1941. That particular review was in the Warrington Guardian! I suspect many other such gems are to be found in the archives of the Warrington Guardian (if you know where to look). It would be of particular interest to us if you find any old programs from any period. We would like (in the not too distant future) to have an exhibition (possibly permanent) in the foyer of rare and curious items from the theater's past. We would love to prove the rumors of Bob Hope, Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn having performed here, does anybody have any evidence? ... did any one see any of these rare and magical moments?

If you have any information or would like to know more about the theater have a word with our resident historian Jeff Butler. He spins a good yarn and is a general good egg. (As him the one about the theater ghost!) Also speak to Jeff if you want to hire the theater.

Derek Newton Theatre

Season 2oo1-2002

The wartime history of the Dnt.

How to get there? The Derek Newton Theater is on Padgate Campus. The 125 bus from the center of Warrington (the bus station) drops you right outside the gates of the campus and within sight of the Dnt. We are opposite the Porters Lodge. If you are driving see the map.