Action at The Ark

"Action!" will be called for the first time at The Ark community theatre in Borehamwood this week, as the curtain rises for the opening gala.

The Ark theatre at night

Around 300 performers from more than 15 local schools, community groups and theatre companies will put on a show at the new 250-seat theatre in front of special VIP guests tomorrow, Tuesday 10 November.  A special public preview will take place tonight.

Derek Martin who plays Charlie Slater in Eastenders and Richard Pryke, the Oscar-winning sound engineer from the film Slumdog Millionaire, will join local dignitaries including the Mayor of Hertsmere and local councillors.  Local schoolchild Jake Salem who won the competition to design The Ark's logo will also be a special guest.

Councillor Morris Bright, Leader of the Council, said: "This has been such as exciting project, I'm very much looking forward to the official opening gala and seeing the local community up on stage."

Acts include excerpts from Oliver!, Guys and Dolls and High School Musical and groups involved include Elstree and Borehamwood Community Choir, Elstree Productions, Hertsmere Academy of Dance and Performing Arts, Elstree and Borehamwood Light Operatic Society as well as Cowley Hill, Kenilworth, Woodlands and Hertswood Schools.

Zoë  Watkins, Theatre Manager at Hertswood School, said: "It is wonderful to see the community pulling together to create such a great opening to what promises to be a very exciting season.  A lot of hard work has gone in to this show by a lot of people, I really hope that they enjoy their experience of being on the new stage as much as the audience are going to enjoy watching it."

Cllr Bright added: "I hope the people of Borehamwood will go along to the public preview this evening and support the range of entertainments that will be on offer."

The theatre's construction has been paid for by the council and a contribution from the school which will manage it and ensure the building is maintained properly.  It is not a profit-making venture.

Tickets for the public preview tonight are £5 and can be booked online  or bought on the door, subject to availability.  The show starts at 7.30pm and is due to finish at 10pm – there will be a 20 minute interval.