Tewkesbury street party celebrates birthday of cherished theatre
Many happy returns to the Roses!
Closing Sun Street on a Friday night to mark 50 years of the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury - there was plenty of live music, food and drink!
For half a century the theatre has been entertaining the town with a variety of shows and events where the yearly festive pantomime is always a hit. As evidenced by my recent piece on The HE4T dance group, the theatre is a venue which brings smiles to so many faces.
Today it continues to operate as a trust and registered charity showcasing live events, films and workshops for all to enjoy. Attracting an audience of 80,000 people a year, without trust funds as well as money from donors and corporate businesses, the Roses simply would not exist.
The current building stands on what was the old site of The Sabrina but on October 30, 1975, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne opened the Roses with an Official Opening Gala Performance.
Financial difficulties in the 1990s did put the theatre at risk and it did close for a small period of time, but from November 1995 onwards - Tewkesbury remains very lucky to have a beloved functioning theatre.
A ‘Bloomin 50 Fest’ saw many wear their best 1970s-themed costumes. A fun night with a 70s disco finale, the event was opened with theatre director Jessica Brewster, town council Deputy Town Mayor Alan Hayes and the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie.
“The Roses houses an amazing community and it is thrilling to have this many people come and celebrate with us, Jessica said. We are a performance arts venue which is part of the incredible heritage of Tewkesbury. For the theatre to be here for 50 years, we are so happy and we have to say a massive thank you to Tewkesbury’s people for keeping the legacy alive.”
In the words of some members of the Roses Theatre team, this is what the 50th birthday means to them…
Linda Pike has been the projectionist for the last 40 years, where she has an “absolute love for films.”
Her son has also been coming to help out with showcasing films on the big screen for about 30 years meaning the 50th birthday “is quite scary” for Linda because it’s been a very long time. “The Roses has got everything and it’s more than just a theatre, Linda said. We have a community here, which is brilliant, and I hope it goes on for another 50 years and more.”
Megan Dunford as community engagement and wellbeing producer is involved in collecting memories for the 50th anniversary year describing the occasion as “a really good opportunity to talk to Tewkesbury about all their wonderful memories of The Roses and share them because many people hoped we’d be here 50 years later.”
“Having a theatre in a small town is really important, especially for young people who are looking to start in the arts, Megan said. The autumn is really busy and I just love the build up to Christmas because panto is always a magical time of the year.”
Georgia Shire as children and young people producer says no matter what background people are from, there’s always a place for youngsters to take part in productions. At a younger age performing on the very same stage to now having a career at the venue - it’s a brilliant moment to celebrate.
“The Roses has been a part of my life since I was a teenager growing up in Tewkesbury so it is a privilege to be a part of the anniversary celebrations, Georgia said. I think people don’t realise how much they engage in culture and without culture it would be a massive loss.”
Without volunteers the Roses would not function smoothly. Alison Jenkins has been involved with the theatre for around 15 years where the role can be stewarding in the auditorium, serving drinks at the bar or popcorn for your ticketed film.
One of Alison’s best memories is 70s comedian, entertainer and singer Max Boyce coming to the theatre, Des O’Connor too, and some of her favourite moments are when Welsh choirs and comedians perform on stage.
Alison said: “There have been so many wonderful things here and the tribute bands are always a hit. The Roses is a focal point for Tewkesbury, the anniversay is wonderful and we are one big happy family.”
A second volunteer voice is Claire Askins, who has been helping out at the theatre for seven years. On the anniversary, Claire said: “We are very fortunate to have the theatre and it is great to show younger audiences how we’ve always known the Roses as part of our lives. If lockdown told us something, it was the fact we need a lot more than just sitting on our phones, we need people, community and entertainment.”
A final voice is Paul Fordham as head of front of house and operations, a role which involves welcoming theatregoers, making sure their visit is comfortable and a theatre would not be a theatre without a box office.
The birthday means a lot to Paul because “this has been my life for a long time as I did my first panto here when I was 14. I toured the world as a perfomer and then after COVID, I came back to work at the Roses where one day I told myself I will work at Roses!
“To be here for the 50th is amazing because there is so much history and personally it’s great for the whole town. Theatre gives people an escape, it’s good for mental wellbeing and the experiences you’ll get from shows, plays or bands on stage, this is fantastic way to bring people together.”
