Bognor Regis audience to take to the stage

The magic of the theatre will be brought to life as the Alexandra Theatre based in the Regis Centre opens its new venue – The Little Alex.

The theatre’s technical manager Ben Goodland said everyone was looking forward to what will be a historic event for the theatre.

He said: “This is the first time the theatre has done anything like this and there is a lot of excitement.

“We hope this production will be the first of many.

“We would also like other community groups to take advantage of what the Little Alex has to offer.

“Theatre groups may want a professional space to have their productions but be intimidated by the thought of filling 300 seats.

“The Little Alex is a small but professional venue.”

Performers will have an area of 4m by 6m to act in and the venue can seat 60.

“The whole stage will be transformed.

“We will set the seats out in four sections.

“The main stage curtain and the safety curtain will be closed and maskings will be used to close off the sides of the stage.

“We will still have all the professional lighting in place.

“In fact, I don’t think I have ever had to light such a small area with so many lights.”

The first play to be staged in the cosy and intimate space will be Blood Brothers.

Director Kate Bennett said she is looking forward to opening night.

“It will be a great experience for members of the audiences to be so close to the actors.

“Blood Brothers is such a powerful production.

“The space is so open as a director I have been able to do what I want with it.

“I have chosen to go for a simple production which will concentrate the audiences attention on the brilliant acting.”

Blood Brothers is showing from July 28-30.

For tickets call the theatre’s box office on 01243 861010.