ALHAMBRA THEATRE TRADITION OF PANTOMIME SUNBEAMS CONTINUES TO FLOURISH

Did you know that Francis Laidler, who built the Alhambra Theatre in 1914, began the tradition of The Sunbeams (juvenile chorus and dance troupe) here in Bradford at the Prince’s Theatre (now demolished), where he was also theatre manager at the same time as running the Alhambra?  The Sunbeams were an integral part of the Laidler pantomime productions, and it’s a tradition which still flourishes at the Alhambra today. 

The very first troupe of Sunbeams was selected by Francis Laidler in 1917 for his pantomime, Robin Hood.  The Sunbeams for this year’s Robin Hood, appear at the Alhambra Theatre courtesy of Sara Packham’s School of Dance based in Cullingworth, Keighley.  There are two teams of children (each team has ten children) who take it in turns to appear in a pantomime performance during the seven week run.

On Wednesday, we're very excitied that this year’s Sunbeams will be meeting an ex-Sunbeam, Mrs Jane Wood, who appeared in Francis Laidler pantos ninety years ago when she was a little girl.  Mrs Wood, still a regular attender of shows at the Alhambra Theatre, will then be staying to watch Robin Hood.

Robin Hood - the Pantomime Adventure runs at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford until Sunday 5 February 2012. Tickets from £9 can be booked on 01274 432000 or online here (booking fees apply). 

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