Cue a new take on old time music hall as Stevenage group adds a modern touch to traditional show

Published: 5:37 AM January 23, 2016

Updated: 8:07 PM November 1, 2020

Dave Slade will direct the show - Credit: Archant

Around this time of the year Stevenage’s Lytton Players usually turn back the clock to stage a run of old time music hall evenings, harking back to the golden era of vaudeville entertainment made famous for new generations by TV’s The Good Old Days.

Managing director Derek Blyth - Credit: Archant

But new town tastes change – the 2015 show didn’t put as many bums on seats at the group’s Vardon Road base as previous productions, and the enthusiasm was waning in the company, too.

Cue a rethink, and you can see the results next week when the curtain goes up on an evening of music, comedy, dance and variety which has been titled Lights Up!

Some of the performances will still include a light supper, and the format is a table show with waiters and waitresses serving the audience throughout.

Dave Slade has taken on the job of constructing and directing the show with Derek Byth taking the reins as musical director and Louise Airey choreographing some of the numbers.

Dave said: “It moves us away from music hall which means we can do more modern material.

“Our master of ceremonies will still be acting as a host who will keep things moving during set and costume changes when required.