Upon receiving our ration books in exchange for theatre tickets, it was evident the performance of “Flights of Fancy” would transport us back in time. Leaving the ‘departure lounge’ we followed, not the usual route to our seats, but, via a stark black corridor marking past decades and along the way giving a glimpse of final backstage preparations, a route to the stage .From this position the audience was well positioned to admire the beauty of the auditorium, a hundred years old and still gorgeous.  The simple addition of two wooden frameworks ,  reminiscent of early flying machines jutting into space, also paid tribute to Jacob Rees, architect of the theatre. Sadly his attempts at creating a flying machine didn’t take off.

The first Act opened with a charming performance by the talented group of older ladies “Cofio” who mark their 10^th anniversary this year .  They took us back to the early days of the theatre with “Keep the Home Fires Burning”, this rather melancholy number contrasted with the glamour of “Putting on the Ritz”.  Backed by the Siren Sisters, other dance groups took us through a journey of the decades to present times. They sang a diverse collection of hits which the audience applauded vigorously. Connections with significant links to the theatre were raised, the  miners’ strike and Dr.Who being amongst them. As we proceeded on our journey, confirmation of the vast expertise in the collaboration of all involved was evident.  The costumes by Paul Shriek were striking and the choreographer Phil Williams used every nook and cranny of the auditorium to its best advantage. The acrobatic silhouettes moving within iron bedsteads to David Bowie’s Space Oddity being unforgettable, not least for the Siren’s Sisters haunting rendition .

Flow of movement throughout the second Act depicted flight. Costumes with feathery headdress and winged sleeves hit the right note as did the newly commissioned score by Jak Poore.

 This “Flight of Fancy” was a fantastic notion indeed, certainly worth indulging in. and I hope further events to celebrate the centenary of the theatre give as much pleasure to future audiences.

Alison Hughes.