Curtain up at The Ark!

Around 300 performers from 13 local schools, community groups and theatre companies have put on a musical show at the new 250-seat theatre.

 
Jake Salem and his family with Derek Martin who plays Charlie Slater in Eastenders and Leader Cllr Morris Bright at the official opening of the theatre

Derek Martin who plays Charlie Slater in Eastenders joined local dignitaries including the Mayor of Hertsmere and local councillors to watch the show, marking the end of a four-year promise to bring a centre of arts and entertainment to the town.

Leader of the Council Morris Bright said: "The Ark is a project specifically aimed to lift the spirits, the emotions and the artistic goals of a town renowned through its vast film and television heritage stretching back for 100 years, as a place where we love to celebrate the arts.

"As capital projects across the country were being shut down and councils and other organisations were blaming the recession, we refused to break our word and our commitment to the community and so additional funding was agreed to ensure the theatre went ahead.  And I can tell you, each and every councillor of every political party voted in favour."

The show consisted of five-minute performances from a variety of community acts including 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.  The audience were entertained with excerpts from West End shows and films including Oliver!, Guys and Dolls and High School Musical.  

At the official opening, Cllr Bright presented Jake Salem, above with his parents and sister, with a certificate of achievement for designing The Ark's logo.  Jake, aged 9 from Clore Shalom School in Shenley, entered the design competition with other local schoolchildren earlier this year. 

Zoë Watkins, Theatre Manager at Hertswood School, said: "It was a great evening. I think everyone involved enjoyed it and it was wonderful to see The Ark full of people having a great time both on the stage and in the audience."

Cllr Bright added: "I would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved in this project, including all those behind-the-scenes.  I hope the people of Borehamwood will continue to support the range of entertainments that will be on offer." 

Derek Martin said: "After the opening of The Ark, I feel it is safe to say that the future of show business is in good hands." 

The £2m theatre was 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. 

The next show at The Ark is High School Musical which runs from 30 November to 3 December and tickets are £8.

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