Home   What's On   News   Article

LAMPS theatre group return to Tonbridge after years in Southborough, for 90th anniversary

They were formed during the Roaring Twenties and now they’re returning to where it all began 90 years on.

LAMPS – the Local Amateur Musical Players – started out as a group more at home on the rugby pitch than the stage, who trod the boards around Tonbridge from 1927 until they moved to the Royal Victoria Hall Theatre in Southborough in 1955 – which then itself closed in 2015.

This year marks a new era as they stage an ambitious production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado at the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School, seeing them return to the town.

LAMPS present The Mikado for their 90th anniversary
LAMPS present The Mikado for their 90th anniversary

Andrew Swann, LAMPS chairman, said: “It’s such a friendly team here at LAMPS. This year marks our 90th anniversary so it’s a great time to support us and help the players provide another nine decades worth of productions for audiences in Kent.”

They’ve taken inspiration from music hall for their new production.

Director Helen Thorpe said: “We want to mix up the exquisite Japanese traditions that so fascinated the Victorians with the cheeky Britishness of music hall. It is an operetta packed with anti-establishment silliness that is still so relevant today.”

The group has a history of collecting for charity and to mark their Tonbridge return, they will support the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.

LAMPS are back in Tonbridge for their 90th anniversary
LAMPS are back in Tonbridge for their 90th anniversary

The show, The Mikado, is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s best loved operettas, featuring wandering minstrel Nanki-Poo falling in love with the beautiful Yum-Yum, fiancee to the Lord High Executioner Ko-Ko. With impromptu marriages, forged death certificates and the revelation of a prince in disguise – can they all avoid losing their heads?

The show runs at the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School runs from Tuesday, April 4 to Saturday, April 8. For tickets call 01732 304 241 or go to lamps.org.uk

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More