By Jen Corcoran
People are invited to explore a theatrical Southport landmark when the 2024 Heritage Open Days take place this September with the chance to look behind the scenes – and you could even meet their resident ghost!
Southport Little Theatre on Hoghton Street is the home of the Southport Dramatic Club.
This stunning, purpose built theatre has been open for almost 90 years, after being commissioned in 1935 and officially became the permanent home of the Dramatic Club in 1937.
New visitors, regulars and members are all delighted by its deco features as they enter the box office and ascend the sweeping staircase to the foyer.
When a show or event is on, light refreshments are served here, but when the theatre is not open to the public. It is also an effective rehearsal space as it is around the width of the main stage.
The Little Theatre in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Our auditorium itself has a traditional appearance, but with modern technology to ensure accessibility and comfort.
Our free, guided tours for Heritage Week will allow you the opportunity to further explore this incredible jewel in the crown of Southport.
This peek beyond the curtain reveals our backstage areas that include impressive lighting rigs, a stage manager desk and a variety of dressing rooms.
On the second floor of the building there is a technician room that leads to the lighting bridge where large spotlights can be aimed by able volunteers to focus our audience on performers and plot devices.
The Little Theatre in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
As well as exclusive access to these spaces, our tour guides are also incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the club and the building, as well as our resident ghost!
Little Theatre Heritage Tours will be taking place on Saturday 7th September 2024. Our first tour will depart from the foyer at 11am and tours will run until 2:30pm.
Tea and coffee will be available, so we recommend arriving half an hour before a tour time so you can notify the team you have arrived, and relax with a drink before your adventure begins.
The Little Theatre in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Tours last for approximately 1 hour and will involve using stairs, although a lift is also available. If you have access needs, please let us know so we can do our best to accommodate you.
If you have not visited before, we are located on Hoghton Street, Southport.
It is a five minute walk from the train station – take the main exit onto Chapel Street, turn right and cross at the lights then keep going until you come to our tunnel.
You do not have to pre-book, but we would be grateful if you could as it will help us assign our volunteers.
Please contact Jen on 07875 294251 or email [email protected]
Event details can be found on the Heritage Open Days website here
Southport Little Theatre hosts a range of shows throughout the season – find out what’s on via the Little Theatre Southport website: littletheatresouthport.co.uk
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