Grove Theatre opening night audience raise the roof - 23 April 2007
Not a spare seat was in sight in the new 780 seat theatre as Brian Blessed hosted a gala opening night to be remembered for years to come.
The first ever public audience were treated to a star studded show with performances by Richard Cadell, who performed alongside Basil Brush, international singing star Tony Christie, The Band of the Welsh Guards, 19 year old swing star Peter Grant, opera girl band, Milan and Luton Schools Gospel Choir.
Jon Ruddick Chief Executive of South Bedfordshire District Council said: “It was a superb evening and a very proud one for South Bedfordshire District Council and all of our partners who have worked so hard to make Grove Theatre happen.”
General Manager of the theatre Jo Ditch said: "So much hard work went into the opening night and its fantastic to see a full house enjoying such a wonderful show. We now have an incredible opening season ahead of us with some world class acts coming to Dunstable " 
Brian Blessed said "It's absolutely wonderful to be involved in the opening of this brand new theatre for South Bedfordshire. I am delighted to be performing as Captain Hook when Panto arrives in December"
Ellen Kent from Ellen Kent Opera and Ballet International said 'It's wonderful to be bringing the Italian International soprano Natalia Magarit and the Ukrainian tenor Andriy Perfilov to take part in the opening of a new theatre. I hope this will be the beginning of many visits.'
A full theatre programme will now start, kicking off with the highly acclaimed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Followed by a good mix of one night events and week long productions spanning many theatre genres with shows including JB Priestley’s Dangerous Corner, The Blues Brothers Party, Mainly Mozart starring Denise Leigh winner of Channel 4’s Operatunity, The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas, Colin Fry, Ray Mears and The Rocky Horror Show.
There has been massive demand for these shows already with almost 35,000 tickets having been sold to date and some shows have already sold out.
People wishing to purchase tickets for performances can now do so in person from the Box Office on the ground floor of the theatre or by phone on 01582 60 20 80 or online at www.grovetheatre.co.uk
NOTE TO EDITORS:
We have a large amount of pictures available from the night including some of the performers on stage. Due to size restrictions we can’t attach them to this press release but are happy to send them individually. Please request copies from Paul Hutchinson.
