Guided Tours at the Gaiety

For about 20 years, Irene & myself had been meaning to go on one of the Gaiety Theatre tours which are held every Saturday morning, from April to September (Though our’s was in October, so it might be worth checking if there’s one on, if you are coming over the winter) but failed uselessly until, a few weeks ago, our daughter, Lucy bought us a pair as a present.

I thought I had quite an extensive knowlewdge of our local masterpiece, designed by the revered specialist architect, Frank Matcham but soon discovered I really knew next to nothing and what I’d expected to be a swift 45 minute whizz around it, actually it was a fascinating two hour tour!

In this blog, I won’t go into too much detail but there are some unique features, such as the ‘Drop Curtain,’ and the ‘Corsican Trap,’ and the stories of its battle to survive through the 20th century (It is only here because of a quirk of Manx law and the refusal of one man to sign the warrant for its demolition) and the everlasting restorations, initiated and pushed through by the relentless enthusiasm of its former manager, Mervyn Stokes, make such interesting viewing and listening.

Bookings can be made at http://www.villagaiety.com and it costs £7.50 per adult, family tickets £15 though, as the theatre was built in the 1900s, some areas are not accessible for all.
Of course, don’t forget to book to stay at the Welbeck! Open nearly 12 months a year! Reservations