Cast of stars to open Coventry's new Albany Theatre

[dutchman]

'Allo ‘Allo! star Arthur Bostrom is among a cast of stars who will open the new Albany Theatre in Coventry today.

The Rugby-born actor, who used to star as the gendarme Crabtree in the 1980s wartime BBC comedy, is currently in the Belgrade Theatre’s production of Birdsong.

He will join Selecter singer Pauline Black, Olympic gymnast Rachel Smith and West End star Dave Willetts to formally unveil the newly-refurbished theatre in The Butts.

It will see the doors to the 1930s building formally opened after a renovation project to transform the old College Theatre.

Coventry’s deputy Lord Mayor, Coun Gary Crookes, will also be there for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The historic venue closed four-years ago and its renovation was instigated by the Albany Theatre Trust, which managed the theatre’s assets, raised refurbishment funds and co-ordinated the work after launching a campaign to restore the theatre to its former glory.

With the help of volunteers and local businesses, who donated materials, it is now ready to stage amateur and professional shows and conferences.

The opening will be immediately followed by the venue’s inaugural event, a business networking session.

Scores of productions throughout the year are already booked.

Alexandra Johnson, of the Albany Theatre Trust, said the launch event was the culmination of many months of hard work.

She said: “We are delighted the theatre will be opened by people who have local connections.

“They represent the different aspects of Coventry, whether it be in the fields of sports and acting or the civic side.

“The day is the realisation of a dream and we are all so pleased to have reached this stage.

“It is thanks to the help of so many people and the number of volunteers that it has had was astonishing. It shows you can rely on the people of Coventry.”

The stage comes to life this evening with an open mic night which gives anyone that wants to the chance to go under the limelight.

It kicks off at 7.30pm and registrations to perform on stage will be taken before the start.