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Chicago Tribune
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Of Notoriety: LaPorte Little Theatre Club celebrating a century landmark season
When I first began writing for the Post-Tribune and Chicago Tribune Media Group in January 2016, I quickly met nurse and 'theater know-it-all' (bestowed as a genuine kind compliment) Katy Gartland and her husband, Tim Gartland. The Gartlands became my tethered connection to theater stages both big and small located to the east of our readership. I soon learned Katy and Tim are the glue that bonds the talented team at LaPorte Little Theatre. Katy's local theater roots extend from the creativity and community stage experience of her mom Bonnie Quigley. This 2025 stage season for LaPorte Little Theatre Club marks the community theater's 100th year taking bows before audiences. When I first interviewed Katy back in spring 2018, she was preparing to direct a run of 'James and the Giant Peach,' a stage version based on the popular 1961 children's book by Roald Dahl, who also wrote 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' 'I have my mom to thank for giving me the idea because she brought me the script for the musical version of this favorite storybook,' Katy said. 'And before long, husband Tim and mom were helping me design and build a giant peach for on stage.' It measured 12 by 14 feet. Adding to the family affair, title character James was played by the couple's daughter Norah. The Gartlands share amazement that LaPorte Little Theatre is a volunteer organization that has existed with success for a century through two world wars and the Great Depression. Katy, who served as president of LaPorte Little Theatre Club for five years, along with husband Tim as the business manager, said The Little Theatre movement began in Europe in 1887 and 'hopped the pond' to the United States in 1912 at the Toy Theatre in Boston and then 'the Little Theatre of Chicago,' ranking officially as one of the first community theaters to be formed. Katy said by 1917, there were about 50 Little Theatre groups in the U.S., and later, the number grew by 100 by the beginning of World War II. It was after the war when there was a burst of even further interest behind and in front of the famed red curtain, and by 1959 there were about 3,500 community theaters producing regular stage runs. She said today, there are about 70 community theaters in Indiana, with The Indianapolis Civic Theatre in Carmel claiming to be one of the 10 largest community theaters in the U.S. In the fall of 1925, Graeme Young, a professional actor and playwright from London, moved to LaPorte with his wife to work in a local industry. Although he had forsaken the theater as a livelihood, he had not forsaken his love for theater. After discussion and encouragement from Miss Flora Case, the local librarian, Graeme went to the LaPorte Herald Argus newspaper to have a story published announcing that a meeting to explore the idea of a community theater club would be held on Nov. 11, 1925, at the YMCA with 25 interested people in attendance. A week later, the following officers were elected: Florence Andrew, president; Dr. E.A. Smiley, vice-president; Miss Olga Hergland, secretary and Miss Flora Case as treasurer. On Jan. 13, 1926, The LaPorte Little Theatre Club debuted with a presentation of three one-act plays at the LaPorte High School auditorium: 'My Milliner's Ball,' 'The Playgoers,' and 'A Kiss in the Dark.' Admission was free, and Katy says the theater records indicate the house was packed. By 1932, the theater club members began to dream of obtaining their own space. Thelma Wilson, a charter member, artist, set designer, director and actor, died on Feb. 3, 1950 and left a substantial bequest to the theater club from her estate which allowed the group to incorporate on March 8, 1951, and by July 16, 1954, the group purchased the St. John's Lutheran Church building on 3rd and A streets, where it remains today as the group's 200-seat anchor venue. The shell worship building space was built while Abraham Lincoln was still president. The steeple and religious artifacts were removed, but the pews were retained and utilized for several years until seats from a theater in Michigan City were repurposed and installed. The altar landscape was transformed into a full working stage. In January 1955, the first show in the new space was performed (fittingly selected and titled) 'My Three Angels,' and it happened to also be the group's 100th performance. Today, La Porte Little Theatre Club continues with a mission as 'an all-volunteer, self-funded organization dedicated to providing quality theatrical experiences to Northwest Indiana audiences and committed to providing opportunities to adults and youth both on stage and behind the scenes with musicals, dramas, comedies and the aim to produce a variety of shows.' The final two shows of this landmark season are 'A Gentleman's Guide to Murder' Sept. 26 to Oct. 5, and the holiday musical 'Scrooge!' Nov. 28 to Dec. 7. For more information, visit or call 219-362-5113.
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Visit Dundee in 1988 thanks to colour photos pulled from the archives
Welcome to Dundee in 1988. The images, captured on colour reversal film by DC Thomson photographers, were actually part of a modernisation process at the firm. These were part of a recently discovered stash which has been digitised. They show red post boxes in the City Square and vanished views of the bottom of the Hilltown before the demolition of buildings opposite the Little Theatre. Big crowds at Samuel's Corner greeted the floats at the Dundee Festival. The RRS Discovery and the Unicorn were berthed in Victoria Dock and fresh mussels and pheasant were on the menu at Miguel's in Broughty Ferry. This retro photo gallery captures life in Dundee as it was back in 1988. What will you remember? Barnhill Rock Garden looking resplendent in the sunshine in 1988. The garden occupies the site of the former nine-hole golf course at Barnhill. It rose from modest beginnings as a rockery display at the starter's box in 1964. People feeding the swans at Broughty Ferry Harbour in 1988. The seagulls joined the Ferry's resident swans in looking for bread. Let's hope nobody went overboard. Scotland's National Bard sitting outside McManus Galleries in 1988. The Robert Burns statue was mounted on a pedestal of Peterhead granite in Albert Square and 100,000 people watched the unveiling in October 1880. The zoo at Camperdown Park has always been a popular attraction. In 1988 the public was given the chance to adopt every animal in the zoo. Among the residents in 1988 was Jeremy the Bear, who used to advertise Sugar Puffs. The Christmas tree in the City Square in December 1988. The civic decorations and lights were even more spectacular in 1988 thanks to a £3,000 cash boost donated by Alan Craig on behalf of the city traders. The big switch-on was conducted by the cast of Beauty and the Beast. A view of the bus stop at the Nethergate outside City Churches. A display of flowers from the parks department are behind the Mercat Cross. The cross was moved to the Nethergate in 1874. A view of City Square in the summer sunshine in June 1988. Two red post boxes can be seen in the foreground and the Caird Hall, in the background, was about to host the two-day Tayside Women's Health Fair. The event explored everything from diet and exercise to the menopause. Another view of the City Square in June 1988. These were the days when the fountains were actually filled with water. The sculptures represent fire, water, earth and air. The Loch Ness Monster and the Scottish Hydro-Electric float approaches Samuel's Corner on the High Street in July 1988 during the Dundee Festival parade. Dozens of floats and marching bands took to the streets in a gigantic parade. The first Dundee Festival took place in July 1978. This is an aerial view of Dundee Harbour. Ocean Odyssey took up temporary residence later in the year. The rig was declared an insurance write-off. The war memorial at the top of Dundee Law. After much debate, it was agreed the words on the memorial should read: 'To the memory of Dundee men who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918.' A foundry in Cheltenham completed the job. A view along Fisher Street in Broughty Ferry. The RNLI lifeboat station is on the left and the Ship Inn is on the right. The Ship Inn is more than 200 years old. Looking down Gray Street and over the level crossing in 1988. Do you remember Miguel's? In 1988 the restaurant was serving up a varied menu including 'pheasant, venison, steaks, pasta, fresh veal, crayfish, crevettes and fresh mussels'. Last orders at the Hawthorn and Top O' The Steps public houses. The buildings were condemned to demolition by Dundee District Council. The Hawthorn was formerly called the Rowan Tree and the Maple Leaf. A digger pulled down the adjoining buildings, which were deemed unsafe, in February 1988 to make way for Dundee's £14 million inner ring road. Hawthorn Bar mine host Tom McMahon was one of Dundee's oldest publicans. He mourned the loss of the iconic boozer. The approach to the Ninewells Hospital site in 1988. When it opened in 1974, hospital porters said they were having to walk 15 miles a day around the 230-acre site, while rumours spread that doctors and nurses were using roller skates and scooters to get around. Aerial view east along the River Tay on a beautiful day. The road and rail bridges shape the picture and prominent in the skyline are the Hilltown multis, Tayside House and Dundee Gas Works. Looking east along Riverside Drive. The stretch remains a popular spot for cyclists and joggers. Ariel view showing Dundee Law and the Tay Road Bridge. The bridge was designed by William Fairhurst, who was an accomplished chess player. David Annand won the public art competition at Dundee's Technology Park in 1986 and the leaping deer he created was greeted with public acclaim. Annand went on to complete a number of public sculptures including the bronze tribute to Formula 1 driver Jim Clark in the quiet Fife village of Kilmany. The Discovery and Unicorn were berthed in Victoria Dock in 1988. In 1992 the Discovery was moved to Discovery Quay where it is now in dry dock. Sailors take advantage of the good weather to sail their yachts at West Ferry. The Beach Club House at West Ferry is home to Royal Tay Yacht Club. The club was established in March 1885.
Rhyl Journal
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Rhyl Liberty Players to host fundraiser to ‘save our roof'
The group has been a part of Rhyl's arts and theatre scene for more than 80 years, and is calling on the community for support as it hosts a 'save our roof' fundraiser on Friday, June 13. Its workshop is based on Victoria Road, with the roof predicted to cost about £20,000 to replace. Proceeds from this event will go towards paying for a structural engineer, and any additional costs associated with these first steps. The event, a live music quiz night, will be held at Deutch's Bar on Wellington Road, starting at 7.30pm, and will feature music trivia, raffles, karaoke and classic pub games like 'guess what's in the jar.' Tickets cost £5 per person, payable on arrival, and guests are encouraged to bring a dish of food to share. Paula Devlin, a trustee of the group, said: 'This fundraiser comes at a crucial time for the group. 'Our long-standing workshop, first purchased in 1970 through community fundraising efforts, has suffered considerable storm damage over the past two winters. Damage to Rhyl Liberty Players' workshop (Image: Paula Devlin) 'After patching the roof to keep it watertight, it has now reached the end of its life, and the Liberty Players are aiming to raise the funds needed for a full replacement. 'The building itself is needing a lot of TLC - we even had a wall blow down last winter. We started with one problem, which has now escalated to more problems. 'The workshop is an essential space for the Liberty Players, housing our costumes, props, and tools for building stage sets. 'Without it, our vibrant productions, which have brought joy to generations of local theatregoers, would be under threat.' In addition to the quiz night, the group is gearing up for its next production, The Wind in the Willows, at the Little Theatre in Rhyl, from October 30 to November 1. Ahead of this, the group will be holding a workshop on June 2, followed by open auditions on June 9, both at the ASK Centre on Water Street, starting at 7.30pm. Rehearsals take place every Monday and Thursday at either the ASK Centre or the Little Theatre, and new members are always welcome. Paula added: 'For those who've enjoyed the Liberty Players' performances over the decades, this is a perfect opportunity to give something back — and enjoy a fantastic evening in the process. 'Let's come together to help keep the roof over our heads… literally! "If people would like to make a donation but are unable to attend the event, they can contact us via our website and we will get back to them with how to make donations."
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
UK's largest Wetherspoons with beachfront pub garden that was inspired by Versailles
DESPITE the bad weather set to plague the bank holiday weekend, I've found the best spot to hole up in. The Wetherspoons pub in weather is miserable - and its the largest of its kind in the UK. 4 The Royal Victoria Pavilion is the UK's biggest Wetherspoons Credit: Alamy 4 The inside was said to have been inspired by Versailles Credit: Alamy The Royal Victoria Pavilion, now a Grade-II listed building, was originally a concert hall and assembly room when built in 1903. It was said to have been inspired by the Little Theatre in A newspaper article stated: "Marie Antoinette's Little Theatre at It then into a nightclub, then a casino, before closing in 2008. Read more on Wetherspoons Nearly 10 years later, it was bought by Wetherspoons who opened it as a pub in 2017 after a £4.5million renovation. It is right on the beach so if the rain eases up at all, it makes a great spot to walk up and down after a big lunch. Living down the road in Folkestone, I'll always stop in at the pub when I've over in Ramsgate - especially when its one of the few places you can get a glass of wine for under a fiver these days. But even without the pub garden right on the sand, the huge pub has more than enough space. Most read in News Travel Spread across two floors, there are 907 tables which means a huge 1,500 people can visit at one time. And the best views line the walls of the pub, which overlook the harbour. World's BIGGEST Wetherspoons has secret weapon that gives it an edge, say punters at pub with room for hundreds 4 The outside area is popular in the summer months Credit: JD Whetherspoon There are even two bars - one upstairs and one downstairs - so you don't have to go too far. Last year it underwent a £750,000 renovation which includes new carpets and tables, as well as a new tea bar and more plants . Manager Chris Whitbourn said: "It was important that we did the external redecorations to keep it looking good for the whole of the town. "Doing the garden has been something we wanted to do for a long time and just with the timing of it, we could do it all at once. Wetherspoons opened its first pub in 1979 with a branch in north London and now it has 809 branches across the UK. There are also plans for planning to make up to 50 new "Super Spoons", like the pub in Ramsgate. 4 It recently underwent a £750k renovation Credit: Alamy
Rhyl Journal
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
British-made Giallo movie to be screened in Rhyl
The Blade Cuts Deeper, a film inspired by Italian Giallo cinema - made famous by directors such as Dario Argento and Mario Bava - was shot in Ormskirk. It will be shown on August 2 at Rhyl Little Theatre in a double bill with sci-fi horror Virus Detected along with a Q&A with director Gene Dolders. The film starts at 6.30pm and admission is free. (Image: Rhyller Thriller) The film's synopsis reads: "Many people want their five minutes of fame but for some, it comes at the ultimate price - their life!' Meet John Abbott, narcissistic host of infamous real-crime show Lights, Camera, KILL. Known for its lurid re-enactments of the darkest of trespasses, it has made him rich by exploiting pain and suffering. Yet while Abbott basks shamelessly in the limelight, one victim has seen enough. Broken by his loss, the man has a burning thirst for revenge - and now he wants to make Abbott bleed." It is not the only event organised under the Rhyller Thriller - organised by Chad Jones and Tomos Rowlands - banner in 2025. Following a screening of 1999's The Audition and an Oscars night showing of The Substance at the Little Theatre, Dead Talks: Dario Argento & the Legacy of Giallo will take place on June 7. The event is described as "a deep dive into the shadowy world of Giallo cinema, exploring the iconic legacy of Dario Argento and his blood-soaked masterpieces. "Expect insight, mystery, and a splash of red…" The Rhyller Thriller horror film festival proper takes place on August 30 and 31, with guests including Dardano Sacchetti. Chad and Tomos said: "Rhyller Thriller, once described as the ungodly love child of a film festival and a horror convention, returns in 2025. "Lauded as putting Rhyl, North Wales, on the horror map, here is what you will need to know about 2025. Our Third festival will run for an expanded TWO DAYS from Saturday August 30th to Sunday the 31st at the iconic Rhyl Little Theatre. We are a one screen event that will run from 10 am until 11pm on both days. "The theme is all things Horror including Giallo, Slasher, sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, and everything in between. "Attendees can expect to see films on our custom 9ft screen and to be seated in an Edwardian style auditorium in one of North Wales' oldest theatres . Following each film or block of shorts expect a Q&A session and interview with the filmmakers hosted by either Chad or Jason, all interviews will be filmed and pushed out on our social media. "Our dedicated team truly love Horror and the level of talks will be of a quality you will have rarely experienced. We have a fully stocked bar and a plethora of alternative stalls at our events and this year we hope to have a food truck and also some horror based seminars." Tickets are on sale now.
