HIDDEN within the cultural centre of Hanley is a gem of a

theatre in the Mitchell Memorial.

The intimate performing arts venue is located in Broad

Street and includes a 356-seat auditorium, stage, workshop,

dressing rooms and a kitchen area.

Officially opened by Group Captain Douglas Bader in 1957 as

a memorial to Reginald J Mitchell, the designer of the

Spitfire, the theatre has the latest digital/analogue lighting

equipment, operating 72 channels.

The theatre has played host to amateur dramatic societies

for the past 50 years.

It has a fantastic atmosphere that easily draws the audience

in, and is an ideal place to see anything from a saucy farce to

a popular musical because the performers are so close to the

audience, giving it an intimate feel.

Forthcoming productions at the Mitchell include:

Gala Variety Evening for the Haywood Foundation – Thursday,

September 4 at 7.30pm.

An evening of entertainment featuring World Famous

Illusionist and Magician Andrew Van Buren. Tickets are £6 and

available in person from the Haywood Hospital, Heath House

Nurseries, Blythe Bridge, or by calling 07760 193772.

Mow Cop Players present Friends and Neighbours – Thursday,

September 11 until Saturday, September 13 at 7.30pm, with a

Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. It is the 50th anniversary

production of a hilarious comedy by Austin Steele. Tickets are

£7 for adults, £4 for concessions and £18 for a family of four

(two adults and two children). To book tickets call 01782

818919.

Burslem Summer School presents Wizard Of Oz – Thursday,

September 18 until Saturday, September 20 at 7.30pm and a

Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults and

£5.50 for concessions and are available by calling 01782

518523.

Liberty Theatre Company presents West Side Story on Tuesday,

September 23 until Saturday, September 27 at 7.30pm and a

Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £8

for concessions and are available by calling 07879 664931.

Call 01782 235411 for more details.