Bingley Little Theatre presents roller skating musical The Rink

The first Northern revival of The Rink for more than 30 years has, says director David Kirk, “memorable characters, raw emotion- and lots of roller skates”.

With music by John Kander and Fred Ebb, a witty, poignant book by Terrence McNally and Godfrey Elliott’s “magical” stage design depicting a derelict venue filled with faded glory, the show is about regrets of the past and making peace with the present.

When Anna (Katrina Wood) inherits an old roller rink facing demolition, she’s forced to confront her relationship with estranged daughter Angel (Danni Peak), who has moved to California, and her former husband Dino (Matthew Leakey), who abandoned them both.

Matthew Leakey and Katrina Wood in The Rink (Image: Bingley Little Theatre)

The musical moves between past and present, and a versatile cast of six men play demolition workmen, Anna’s deserting husband, her father-in-law and former suitors. The cast are also nifty on roller skates, and their performance of The Rink, a dance number on skates, is a highlight.

Says David Kirk: “I first directed The Rink some 30 years ago. Returning to it now with that amount of life experience under my belt, I saw many of the themes of the musical through fresh eyes - appreciating Anna’s viewpoint all the more.

“The writers and composers have created a ‘memory musical’ of sorts, in much the same way that Tennessee Williams did with The Glass Menagerie. It’s easy to look at the past with rose-tinted glasses - we’ve all glamorised the past at some stage in our lives - but with The Rink there is the physical structure of the skating rink itself to contend with.

“Built with the standards of yester-year, this rink has survived two wars, and whilst superficially decay is significant, it’s still a solid structure which has housed two generations of a family. The Rink is beautiful, bathing its audience in multi-coloured nostalgia whilst tugging at their heartstrings. If musicals are your thing, then get your skates on - you’re in for a treat!”

The Rink is at Bingley Arts Centre from July 3-8. Visit bingleyartscentre.co.uk or call (01274) 567983, 10am-1pm.

* IF burlesque is your thing, St George’s Hall is the place to be on Friday, July 14.

The team behind An Evening of Burlesque - the UK’s longest-running burlesque show - describe it as “a good old-fashioned variety show blending stylish cabaret, circus and burlesque”.

Producer James Taylor says burlesque has seen a big resurgence following the pandemic. “I think the country needs a night out where they can leave their worries at the door and laugh, sing along and generally have a really great time - and An Evening of Burlesque fits that bill perfectly,” says James. “It takes its roots from an art form that was hugely popular during Victorian times which poked fun at the classics.

“Expect an extravaganza of glitz and glamour, feathers , fabulous costumes and the pick of the finest selection of speciality artistes, cabaret and circus stars, comedians and champagne showgirls. How many shows can boast all of that in one evening?”

Over-18s advised. Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk

* INDIE rock veterans Ocean Colour Scene are heading to Halifax’s Victoria Theatre on Thursday, August 24.

Frontman Simon Fowler, guitarist Steve Cradock and drummer Oscar Harrison will perform their hits and anthems, including The Riverboat Song, The Circle, Traveller’s Tune, Hundred Mile High City and The Day We Caught The Train.

Formed in Birmingham in 1989, Ocean Colour Scene spent six years fine-tuning their sound before lighting up the Britpop party with three Top 5 albums, Moseley Shoals, Marchin’ Already and One From The Modern.

Behind the swagger and style were great songs, inspired by soul, folk and blues greats, that became full-on anthems of the Nineties. Says Steve Cradock: “This feels like the first proper tour Ocean Colour Scene have done in years. Last year we managed six dates because of the World Cup, and the year before Covid was still scaring people, so we’re going to make it something special. Roll up, roll up for the magical OCS Tour!” Visit victoriatheatre.co.uk

* BRADFORD Festival Choral Society is taking choral music to the city’s Ukrainian Centre this month.

Ukrainian soprano Sveta Riadchenko takes a starring role in the Choral Universe programme, exploring a “moving and intriguing variety of choral music, from ancient medieval pilgrimage songs to the whirling dance rhythms of Reena Esmail’s TaReKiTa”.

The choir continues its commitment to programming female composers, with music by Fanny Hensel, Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger and Esmail.

Under the direction of BFCS Musical Director Thomas Leech, the choir will be joined by pianist and composer Anthony Gray and percussionist Sophie Mullender.

This is the choir’s last concert of the season. They start rehearsals again in September and anyone interested in joining is asked to email bradfordfestivalchoralsociety@gmail.com or visit bradfordfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk

Says Tom Leech: “We’re wrapping up this season with some of the most beautiful choral music I know. There’s so much variety and passion in this programme and we’re delighted to be joined by some excellent guest musicians, including Sveta. We’re determined to bring great choral music to as many people as possible, and have low-priced concessions for anyone with a low income, and free tickets for accompanied children.”

The concert is at Bradford Ukrainian Centre, Legrams Lane, on Saturday, June 24 at 7.30pm. Visit ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs/t-ojjlgvo