Community theatre celebrates 50th anniversary

The Standing Ovation exhibition marks 50 years of performances at the venue

A community theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exhibition showcasing performances staged over the past decades.

The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, is hosting Standing Ovation from 18-23 November.

It will share the venue's history from its royal opening by Princess Anne in 1975, to its annual pantomimes and links to Eric Morecambe, whose last performance was at the theatre.

Derek Bond, theatre director, said: "Marking 50 years of remarkable community theatre is such a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the magical memories and inspiring culture that successive generations have produced over our half-century."

Visitors can expect to see treasured artefacts including Eric Morecambe's blazer, which the comedian wore at his final ever performance when he suffered a fatal heart attack at the theatre in 1984.

Displays will also include the venue's original 1975 opening gala programme and poster, costumes from past pantomimes, and video footage from performances at the venue.

Meg Dunford, creative health and community producer, said they were looking forward to everyone finally being able to experience the exhibition.

"The memories we've gathered from The Roses community will be on display for all to share and enjoy," she added.

Eric Morecambe (left) died after suffering a heart attack at the theatre more than 40 years ago

The Standing Ovation exhibition is the culmination of a year-long project inviting those touched by The Roses to share their memories.

A community panel curated the exhibition from more than 100 submitted memories.

James Rendell, a retired architect, designed the theatre, and said he recently rediscovered his hand-drawn plans, which are now on display.

"Initially, I'd never designed a theatre before, so I had three parameters - can you see? Can you hear? Are you comfortable?" he said.

James Rendell designed the theatre in the 1970s