On Saturday, April 8th, the Old Well Theatre in Moffat will be holding an Open Evening for the public. The aim is to show off the new foyer bar as well as to let local people see behind the scenes at the town’s 70 seater theatre.
Danny’s Bar has been designed and built by the skilful volunteers at the theatre, which is a charity, and this was made possible by the generous donation of £2000 by well-known international comedian, Danny Bhoy.
The Old Well Theatre has been in use since it was purchased by the Upper Annandale Dramatic Society in the late 1960’s and transformed from an old church hall into a theatre. Much work was done over the years but National Lottery Funding in the latter part of the 1990’s led to the transformation into the attractive and adaptable space now enjoyed by the members of various societies and by the local townspeople, whose support is essential to the success of local theatre.
The building is home to the Upper Annandale Dramatic Society, founded in 1951. UADS stages a popular Christmas pantomime each year as well as a couple of plays and welcomes outside productions to entertain the people of Moffat and visitors to this popular spa town.
It is also home to the Moffat Music Society, who organise half a dozen concerts over the winter months with groups ranging from soloists to quintets, and music from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Quite a number of Scottish performers and compositions are featured as well as world music.
The Moffat Theatre Choir has long been based at the theatre and is a popular group for those who love to sing. Look out for the choir’s Christmas Carol Concert!
Moffat Movies brings popular films, both new and old, to the community.
The theatre is run entirely by volunteers.
Danny Bhoy was born in Moffat in 1975. In the letter that accompanied his generous cheque, Danny Bhoy writes “My 1st time ever on stage was in the play ‘Men Should Weep’ at the Old Well Theatre. I was maybe 9, or 10? I still consider that my 1st big break in showbiz!”
Danny has generously followed up his first donation to the Old Well Theatre with a further cheque for £5,000. “Danny’s Bar” is now etched in the mirror that sits above the bar and the theatre membership is looking forward to buying Danny a drink next time he is in the area.
As well as playing comedy gigs in the UK, Danny Bhoy has toured in New Zealand, Canada, Sweden and the US, and at the moment is working in Australia.
The Old Well Theatre will open its doors to the public at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 8th. Local people will be treated to a free drink on entry and will be able to explore the theatre to see behind the scenes. The wardrobe department will be showing off its many wonderful costumes, collected over a period of some fifty years. There will be a demonstration of the cinema and sound system. The Moffat Theatre Choir will be singing and they will be encouraging the audience to join in. Visitors will be able to join in a play reading and also observe a play being directed.
