24th May 2014 marks the official 75th anniversary of the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. The Assembly Hall Theatre first opened its doors in 1939, under Marchioness Camden, as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the granting of the town’s charter in 1889. Hundreds of thousands of events later, they are marking their three quarters of a century with a series of events celebrating the remarkable programmes, patrons and staff that have made the Assembly Hall Theatre one of the most cherished landmarks of the town.
Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society now known as TWODS’s presented the first production ‘Pirates of Penzance’ in May 1939. Originally built as an entertainment hall, the Assembly Hall Theatre has always offered a rich eclectic programme from operas and formal dances of the 1940s and 50s to the rock ‘n’ roll bands of the 1960s, pantomimes, community shows and most recently touring productions of West End hits such as Chicago, Cabaret and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Over the past 74 years it has given pleasure and opportunities to so many people and to mark its 75th anniversary, it will be holding a series of events throughout the year and the Tunbridge Wells Winter Lantern Parade will be the first launch event.
Spectators will line the streets to watch the sixth year annual winter lantern parade carrying the theme of Myths and Legends in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday 8th February 2014. The parade is organised by Camden Road Education, Arts and Theatre Enterprise (CREATE), a voluntary group who promote and manage inclusive and creative performances and events that galvanise the community.
Brian McAteer, Theatre Director who was appointed in the role over 20 years ago says: “Over the years, the parade has grown into a wonderful evening involving the whole community that really inspires the creativity of the children who take part. We are extremely proud to be involved in something that has become such a popular local event”.
The parade will wind its way through the popular town of Tunbridge Wells, starting from outside the library in Mount Pleasant Road at 5.00pm then along Monsoon Road and Camden Road, finishing at St Barnabas School for food and entertainment from 7.30pm.
For those who really want to enter into the spirit of the Lantern Parade, workshops will be taking place on the parade day, Saturday 8th February, at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells. From 10.00am – 10.30am there is a flag and shakers workshop, suitable for 3-6 year olds and then from 11.00am – 11.30am there is a flag and lantern workshop, suitable 7 – 10 year olds. To book spaces on either workshop please email kayleigh.minihane@tunbridgewells.gov.uk. Children must be supervised by an adult and places are on a first come, first served basis.