Northampton theatre group to be first on Royal stage since lockdown

But The Looking Glass Theatre has now announced they will perform their first live-streamed Mystery Tours show on stage, which will see the curtain rise for the first time again at the Royal Theatre in almost five months.

The show follows on from the company's monthly popular ‘Mystery Tours’, where performers reenact famous ghosts who are rumoured to be walking among us in the town centre.

On August 6 at 7.30pm, the show will focus on the history of the Royal Theatre from its opening in 1884 through to its present day - featuring ghouls from the past, like the so-called Grey Lady, who has rumoured to be sighted near the left-hand side of the stage.

On the evening, two live actors will be hosting interviews, showing photos and performing short extracts from plays by former actors who have trod the theatre’s boards over the years.

The evening will be hosted by theatrical tour guide James Smith, whose great grandfather James Albert Twist, was the conductor at The Royal in 1887.

James Twist held a concert at The Guildhall in 1887 to raise money for new instruments after the stage at The Royal caught fire.

James Smith, who now co-owns The Looking Glass Theatre company, said he is giving back to the industry like his ancestor did more than a century ago.

"It's a bit strange really how it's come full circle. I wanted to do something to help like my great-grandad had done,” he said.

"We are really looking forward to this live show at the Royal. It will be nice to walk into the theatre again for one-night only."

This production will be streamed live from the Royal’s empty stage on Looking Glass Theatre’s YouTube channel and shall be observing all safety and social distancing guidelines.

While the 45-minute show is free to watch, bosses ask that viewers are able to make a donation to their Crowdfunder Page, where all proceeds will go to Looking Glass and Royal & Derngate to support them during this difficult time.

To donate to the theatres click here.