PETER GREGSON
FIRST CLASS BSc (HONS) DEGREE
ARTICLES
A selection of articles that I've written.
Lytham Hall - August 2015
Picnic Cinema: Go Grease Lightning!
The Hall became the beating heart of Lytham as crowds of all ages flocked in their fifties fashion to the open air screening of the cult classic Grease.
Despite the chance of rain, hundreds of people made their way to Lytham Hall for an electrifying evening of entertainment, courtesy of Cumbria-based Picnic Cinema. Thankfully, the rain held off, making for a truly unforgettable evening.
Students from Lytham Academy of Theatre Arts (LATA) got into the groove with a medley of songs, including favourites 'Greased Lightning', 'You're the One that I Want' and 'Summer Nights'.
A challenging fifties quiz hosted by Picnic Cinema brought laughs galore as audience members grouped together under inventive team names.
Between events there was plenty of time for chatting and ample photo opportunities for selfies with friends and family. Picnics and popcorn went hand-in-hand, with an on-site bar delivered by BiteclubUK and Lytham Pantry’s BBQ providing extra refreshments.
The 1978 hit film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, began at 9.30. Within minutes, the crowd was singing, clapping and whistling along, creating a festival atmosphere which echoed around the grounds. Even after the film finished, the dancing continued until midnight.
Some had bought camping tickets to pitch their tent in front of the 18th Century Georgian house, making for magnificent surroundings which could not be beaten.
Picnic Cinema was a great success and the organisation is keen to return to Lytham Hall next year. Picnic Cinema is run by Eden Arts, an arts organisation and charity based in Penrith in the district of Eden, Cumbria. All income raised from Picnic Cinema helps support Remote, a Rural Touring Cinema project that enables rural communities to put on cinema screenings in their village venue. Picnic Cinema would not be possible without the support Eden Arts have received from The Big Lottery Fund and Arts Council England. Their summer season continues at Muncaster Castle on 14/15 August where they will be showing Blues Brothers and Psycho.
LATA will be performing their own take on the hit musical later this year, running from the 19th – 21st November, with tickets currently on sale at Lowther Pavilion. Lytham Festival continues until the 9th August.
Lytham Hall - August 2015
Sorcerer's Apprentice
Despite the torrential rain, the finale of Lytham Hall's open air play season was a spellbinding success as Illyria put on a magical production of The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
Families flocked to the hall with their umbrellas in hand, but the downpour failed to dampen anyone's spirits. In a show which, according to actress Katherine Lunney, can involve around 200 litres of water, the added soaking seemed somewhat fitting.
The event began with a charity raffle, raising funds for Lytham Lifeboats and St. Luke's Leprosy Hospital in India, with prizes including a £50 voucher for Spagó Restaurant and two tickets to the England v Australia 3rd ODI match at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
The cast of six effortlessly breathed life into their comedic characters. Children and grown-ups alike revelled in the hilarity as apprentice Lucien attempted to use sorcery to make light work of his chores.
The performance boasted a range of impossible illusions designed by famous magician Paul Daniels, and featured a familiar soundtrack, written by Paul Dukas, from the Disney film Fantasia.
It was a pantomime-style production which provided plenty of audience participation. A highlight came when spectators were requested to raise their arms in order to perform an oblivion spell.
All in all, Illyria's production of The Sorcerer's Apprentice rounded off a great season of outdoor theatre at Lytham Hall.
Illyria's tour of The Sorcerer's Apprentice will continue at Lancaster's Williamson Park on the 25th August. Further productions and booking details can be found on Illyria's website at www.illyria.uk.com.