11:00pm Thursday 5th August 2010
By James Kershaw
THE Cliffs Pavilion auditorium may be closed to touring productions this summer, but there’s still many reasons to stop by.
While refurbishments take place, including the replacement of all 1,630 seats, the rest of building in Station Road, Westcliff, remains open with plenty of summer activities on offer.
Today is the last day of the roller rink on the terrace, before visitors are invited to get their skates on for the synthetic ice rink.
This will run from 11am to 8pm, until Sunday, with special silent disco sessions tomorrow and Saturday, at 8pm.
Skaters can put in their iPods and listen to their favourite tunes while they glide around the rink.
If you prefer less balance- orientated fun, there’s a barbecue, complete with Caribbean steel band entertainment on the terrace, on Sunday.
Local talent is showcased during Live Music Mondays, which take place in the informal Maritime Room every week, at 7.30pm, until September 13.
More music takes place throughout August with a Beatles tribute evening tomorrow, and Elvis tribute evening on Friday, August 13.
Giggles and grub are on the menu at the Comedy and Curry Night, on Wednesday, August 18 and September 8.
Ale enthusiasts can also get in on the action at the Beer and Cider Festival, which takes place on the Sunday and Monday of August Bank Holiday weekend. There’s even an evening paying tribute to musicals on August 20, and a Peter Pan-themed family fun day, on August 22.
“We really wanted to find different ways of getting people to use the building over the summer,” says theatre director Ellen McPhillips.
“We didn’t want it to just sit under dust sheets.”
“We’ve tried to put something on for everyone, and it has allowed us to try a few different ideas, which if successful, we’ll run again.”
For a full list of events and their prices, visit www.the cliffspavilion.co.uk The Cliffs Pavilion will reopen on September 6 with the Rocky Horror Show, narrated by Christopher Biggins.
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