Third theatre night a sunny success

Lytham Hall has won warm praise as a venue for open air theatre from one of the country’s leading touring companies.

For Illyria’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe over £900 worth of tickets were sold at the gate as playgoers flocked to the Hall on a beautiful evening. It was just the third night of a 35 date countrywide summer tour for Illyria and the reception delighted Edward Simpson who played The Lord Chancellor.

“This was my third visit to Lytham Hall which has become one of my favourite venues. Conditions for acting and singing were exceptional with superb acoustics. The very attentive audience, including many children, together with the glorious sunshine combined to make it truly inspirational for the cast,” he said.

The audience too was impressed by the experience. Graham Finney, Director of the Summer School at Rossall, who travelled across from Fleetwood with a group of international students especially for the performance was full of praise.

“We were thrilled by the friendly welcome at Lytham Hall and by the quality of the show. It was a privilege for the students who have come from all over Europe to sit on the front row. It was a real eye-opener for them”, he said.

Attention now switches to the season’s finale on Sunday afternoon August 23 when Illyria return with this year’s family show The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Julian Wilde, organiser of the outdoor season is expecting one of Illyria’s most spectacular shows.

“Ticket sales are already very high and it’s definitely advisable to book in advance for this one. Magician Paul Daniels has advised the producer Oliver Gray on the illusions and I understand that there is water everywhere!”

Further details how to book for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice at Lytham Hall can be found on Illyria’s website www.illyria.uk.com or on www.lythamhall.co.uk