DARLINGTON Civic Theatre celebrates 100 years in showbusiness this year.
The theatre opened on Monday, September 2, 1907, as the New Hippodrome and Palace of Varieties under the leadership of managing director Signor Rino Pepi.
Among the first acts to grace the stage was comedienne Marie Loftus, and audiences were charged 2d for a seat in the stalls.
The list of stars to have appeared at the theatre includes Charlie Chaplin, Anna Pavlova, Tommy Cooper, Dame Vera Lynn and Mickey Rooney.
A celebration season is being planned to make sure the centenary year goes with a bang. Among the events planned is a production of a work by Catherine Cookson, in which Darlington residents will perform alongside professional actors.
A gala night is also being planned.
Borough councillor Lee Vasey said: "The theatre and those associated with it have made a real contribution to the town and I hope everyone will get involved in the centenary."
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