Chester-based theatre company Tip Top set to announce ambitious new season

The plays and other productions.will be staged at The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester and also at other venues including Theatr Clwyd near Mold.

Priscilla, Queen of The Desert- The Musical. Photos: Mark Carline

When Tip Top Productions, founded by Peter Swingler OBE in 1989, moved in to the former Chester Gateway Theatre building back in 2007 initially for just 12 months prior to the building being demolished to make way for the then Northgate development, no-one could have predicted that 12 years later they would be still producing plays, pantomimes, musicals and other events in the building's studio theatre.

The Twits

They have been playing to packed houses and hosting numerous local community groups, visiting companies and professional touring shows each year since.

As well as a full season of shows at The Forum Studio Theatre where recent shows have included Chester's very own traditional family pantomime, childrens' favourite The Twits by Roald Dahl, and the comedy Glorious! based on real-life story of deluded opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins, the company which also has a base in Wrexham, annually stages shows including a large scale Musical at Theatr Clwyd.

Aladdin

Productions staged at Theatr Clwyd most recently include a smash hit production of West End and Broadway musical Priscilla, Queen of The Desert- The Musical and the classic Broadway show My Fair Lady this September.

The company's artistic director Steve Davies will announce details of Tip Top's 2020 season of plays at a launch event at The Forum Studio Theatre on Saturday, September 14, at 7.30pm. The evening will also include open mic slots for local performers.

Directors of the plays which make up the new season will also be on hand to chat about upcoming audition opportunities and anyone interested in joining Tip Top as a volunteer to help with all the various aspects of keeping the theatre running including front of house or backstage and technical crew can also find out how to get involved.

Steve Davies

Speaking about the launch event, Steve said: "We hope as many people as possible will join us for our exciting Season Launch. The evening will include all the usual fun of a Tip Top open mic night. Ahead of on-sale dates coming soon, we will be announcing our own 2020 productions at The Forum Studio Theatre including our February half-term Kids play, as well as our large-scale Musical at Theatr Clwyd. You will also have an opportunity to speak to directors ahead of auditions. Its a great chance to get together, relax, enjoy a few drinks not to mention some great entertainment and look ahead to the action-packed forthcoming season."

• If you are interested in performing on the night, be it a song, poem or comedy routine, then sign up for a slot at 7.30pm or contact rhianu@tiptopproductions.co.uk prior to the event. Backing tracks can be sent via email prior to the event or you can bring them along on your phone/pen drive on the night. Everyone is welcome but please be aware that under 16s will need to be accompanied by an adult.

• Tip Top have announced upcoming auditions for two shows which open its new season, "The Best of Times", a musical compilation show celebrating the musicals which Tip Top have produced over the last 30 years which will be staged at The Forum Studio Theatre in October and "Cheshire Cats" by acclaimed Chester based playwright Gail Young which will be staged at The Emlyn Williams Theatre at Theatr Clwyd in March 2020. Auditions for "The Best of Times" will take place at The Forum Studio Theatre on Monday 9th September from 6pm with auditions for "Cheshire Cats" taking place on Sunday 15th September at 11am also at The Forum Studio Theatre. Full details of the auditions and performance dates for both shows can be found at www.chestertheatre.co.uk where tickets can also be booked online. Alternatively, contact the Box Office on 01244 341296.