Heritage open day at Darlington theatre (From The Advertiser Series)

Heritage open day at Darlington theatre

4:22pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in News

One of the region’s historic theatres will take part in a heritage open day scheme this weekend.

Starting tomorrow and continuing on Sunday, visitors will ba able to take part in guided tours of the buliding, which will access all areas, including the backstage and front of house as well as a talk on the theatre's history.

The Grade II listed Edwardian theatre opened in 1907 as the New Hippodrome and Palace of Varieties and has attracted many famous names, including Anna Pavlova, Tommy Cooper, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rex Harrison, Dame Vera Lynn and Mickey Rooney.

The Civic Theatre began life as one of a number of theatres in Darlington and survived 50 years, despite the advent of television and cinema, until it was eventually forced to close its doors in 1956, due to rising costs and falling attendances.

The facility was saved when Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Operatic Society stepped in, allowing the Civic to remain as a well-respected, thriving provincial theatre.

Tours will begin at 9am tomorrow and Sunday.

Tickets are free but limited and are available from the theatre box office at Parkgate, Darlington.

For more information, call 01325-486555.