Four weeks ago as I write, we began rehearsals for the Wartime Review 2011 – another sign that the year is passing quicker than I would like it to! However, time and tide wait for no man (or woman!) and so I must turn my thoughts to the autumn.

            This year’s show is called “All Our Tomorrows”. As always, it is devised and produced by Maureen Symonds – who seems to always have fresh ideas, despite this being our 11th year! Many of the cast members have been in all of those shows, which is fantastic, but we are now getting new people, including some very talented youngsters, to join us, which is equally fantastic. The show comprises the usual cocktail of songs, dances, sketches, monologues and of course the patriotic songs which kept the country going during the terrible times of war. The show runs from 11th – 16th October, so please watch the showcase outside the theatre for more details nearer the time.

            Speaking of talented youngsters – if you missed the show put on by the Youth Theatre in July, you missed some gems. “Songs & Dances” was a selection of medleys and music from well-known musical shows, which brought to the fore some amazing talent. We certainly have some up and coming stars in our midst!

            September sees our second open day at the theatre. We tried this for the first time last year during heritage weekend and we enjoyed it so much, we are doing it again! The theatre will be open for tours of the premises, displays of past productions and hopefully scrummy home made cakes and tea! How can you resist? It always surprises me the number of people who live in Pickering that have never set foot inside The Kirk Theatre. So, if you are such a resident, now is your chance to see what lurks behind those doors that you pass so often! 10th September is the day and we will be open from 10am. A warm welcome will await you and we hope for thronging crowds coming to see us! We look forward to meeting you and showing you the magical world of theatre!

 Linda Tester.