Life in the limelight revealed in Elmbridge theatre talk (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Life in the limelight revealed in Elmbridge theatre talk

11:03am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Freetime By Laura Proto

Discover the fascinating world of theatre by taking a peek behind the scenes of one of the most famous venues in the world.

The next lecture in the Royston Pike series entitled Mr Garrick’s Fireside: The Life and Times of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane will look at the famous Covent Garden venue.

Pete Allen, Elmbridge Council’s arts development officer, will present a personal memoir of his time at the Theatre Royal, where he took on a range of roles, including being Alan Jay Lerner’s body double.

Along with many other anecdotes, Mr Allen will explain why Ken Dodd was responsible for him almost being shot by the Queen Mother’s security.

Mr Allen has a great knowledge of the history of the Drury Lane theatre and will shed some light on the building’s past, which saw generations of actors and performers carve a name for themselves.

Councillor Jan Fuller, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “This will no doubt be a very entertaining evening. It will be interesting to find out a bit more about what is going on behind the scenes while the audience is enjoying on-stage performances.

“We tend to overlook the dedication of the staff who make sure everything goes smoothly backstage.”

Mr Garrick’s Fireside: The Life and Times of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in the Royston Pike lecture series; Riverhouse Arts Centre, Walton; Thursday, February 7; 8pm; £1.90; tickets available on the door on the evening.