Sponsored feature by Andrew Brown, Stand Up For Southport
Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport will be hosting a Victorian Weekend like no other this weekend, as the iconic venue invites you to come and join the 125th birthday celebrations.
More details have been released about a whole host of free entertainment that visitors will be able to enjoy this Saturday and Sunday (28th – 29th October 2023).
The fun takes place between 11am and 4pm- please pop in at any time!
There will be lots of show-stopping performances to enjoy from characters in period Victorian costumes, from the Gambolling Arena theatre company as well as talented youngsters from Wright’s Performing Arts.
People are being invited to enjoy a very special Victorian Weekend as the historic Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport celebrates its 125th anniversary.Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
You can enjoy music hall singing and dancing, Victorian plays and more, and a Victorian Master of Ceremonies who will introduce a variety of talented acts and share more about the history of the unique arcade.
The stunning Grade II Listed landmark opened on the Lord Street shopping boulevard in 1898 and is today host to a variety of local independent shops, cafes and an award-winning barber shop, as well as Beales department store.
Gambolling Arena Director Suzy Walker said: “We are delighted to announce our new collaboration with Wayfarers Shopping Arcade. We are hoping to inject more life into this historic and beautiful building, leading with celebrations for their 125th anniversary.
“Johnathan Plunkett, a professional actor recently moved to the North West, has joined Gambolling Arena and for his first outing for the company he will be portraying the Victorian Master of ceremonies.
“Others within the company will be performing a new adaptation of Maria Marten and The Mother In The Red Barn, based upon a true story of a horrific crime perpetrated 150 years ago.
People are being invited to enjoy a very special Victorian Weekend as the historic Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport celebrates its 125th anniversary. Villain William Corder and the tragic anti-heroine Maria Marten from The Murder in the Red Barn. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“On a lighter note, the enigmatic Vesta Tilley and the ever fragrant Marie Lloyde will sing ‘Of The Boy She Loves Sitting Up In The Gallery’.
“The remaining ladies and gentlemen of the company will perform a haunting adaptation of Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street.
People are being invited to enjoy a very special Victorian Weekend as the historic Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport celebrates its 125th anniversary.Vesta Tilley and Master of Ceremonies Jordan Plunkett. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“To finish off the day a little elf has told us that Father Christmas and the rosy Mrs Claus will make an appearance for the children at about 3.30.
“So join us, Gambolling Arena for two days of fun filled splendours!”
Wayfarers Arcade, on Lord Street in the heart of Southport town centre, is one of the North West’s most celebrated shopping arcades.
Open seven days a week, visitors can enjoy a variety of local independent businesses set on two floors.
- For more details visit: wayfarersarcade.co.uk
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