This wonderful DVD compiled by Ray Johnson collates together various film footage from the Theatre Royal Hanley, including the days when it was a bingo hall and footage of the re-opening as the Royal when Mike Lloyd took over the ownership of the theatre. Indeed that opening includes a sequence by Ken Dodd when he officially re-opens the theatre, along with ad libs and classic one liners from Ken himself. That alone is worth a watch!
There is a feature on the Hanley Babes based a reunion of some of former Hanley Babes. The DVD also features a reunion of former volunteers, staff and performers at Jumpin’ Jaks, which is what the theatre was converted into after it closed in 2000. Interviewees include Stephen Hearson, the local DJ Sam Plank, Jeffrey Longmore who played Frank’n’Furter in the Rocky Horror Show and Pete Conway, Robbie Williams’ dad and his son features in footgage of he ‘Thanks For The Memory’ show, one of his earliest stage appearances.
There is poignant footage of the final look inside the theatre before it was gutted to become a nightclub, which includes the playing of ‘The Last Post’. As a few mention in the reunion footage it will never be a theatre again, which is very sad, however better it carries on as a place of entertainment than become derelict or a car park.
A real ‘must have’ for anyone with an interest in this wonderful theatre that lives on in the memories of people who have worked, performed or seen shows there, and in this DVD with its collated film footage and interviews.
You can buy the DVD here
Memories of the Theatre Royal Hanley 