25-05-2025
Flintshire music venue celebrates 100 years of entertainment
Today (May 25) marks the 100th anniversary of The Tivoli, in Buckley.
Now associated with live music and events, the iconic location started life as a theatre and cinema, and later a nightclub.
In a move that united community and history, The Tivoli held two pantomime showings on Thursday (May 22).
The first ever panto held at the Brunswick Road site was Dick Whittington in 1941, but this time round, audiences were treated to Peter Pan.
Read more: The Tivoli - from cinema and dance hall, to night club and music venue
Brought to life by Buckley-based Big Stars Theatre School, the classic tale was performed for free, to 600 people on the day.
The first show was an afternoon performance to children, invited from primary school children in the area.
The oldest and youngest at the show - Lillian, 101 and one-year-old Charlie. (Image: The Tivoli)
The next panto was for residents of local care homes, with oldest member of the audience beating The Tivoli by one year at 101-years-old.
Ahead of the event, assistant manager Kirsty Miah - who has been involved at the venue since 2009 - was helping to set out hundreds of chairs, ready for their guests.
Kirsty, whose grandad Joseph Vaughan would also have been 100 today, explained that all the children had been given a history of the venue.
Read more: Flashback photos from the Elfed High School, Buckley
One school even went along for a tour and ghost hunt at the long-believed to be haunted building, and are now completing a project about The Tivoli.
She said after the shows: "It was a huge success. The pantomime was loved by all who attended. Over 600 people over the two shows.
"The schools, the Mayor of Buckley, and Lillian, a lady who we invited from one of the care homes who is 101-years-old, all really enjoyed it."
Jessie Bouch-Evans, owner of Big Stars, added: "We were approached by Kirsty to ask if we would put on a pantomime for the community to remember what The Tivoli was initially used for.
"It's been a fantastic process from start to finish. Working with our incredibly talented young actors, dancers and vocalists and having my fantastic team of choreographers and teachers by my side!
Read more: Wrexham-born actor to return home as title role on UK tour this summer
"I'm beyond proud of every single student. A moment in history that the town of Buckley won't forget any time soon.
"Seeing my students develop as performers and be in their absolute element on stage is incredible.
"Both performances were outstanding and our performers shone on the stage like the big stars they are!
"Thank you so much to The Tivoli for asking us to be a part of your 100th birthday celebrations, we are honoured."
Celebrations continue tonight, with The Sherlocks set to perform from 7pm. To book or to find out more about upcoming event, visit:
