One of the longest-surviving drama groups in Luton has thrown its support behind #saveourtown, saying plans for Newlands Park and Power Court will attract new audiences to the arts in the town.
The Griffin Players began life as part of the Concert Party and Dramatic Section of the Vauxhall Motors Recreation Club when the club was founded in 1931 and a new state-of-the-art’ canteen and leisure complex was built in Kimpton Road, Luton.
After changing their name in the 1970s, the Griffin Players found their niche and still perform at Luton Library Theatre to this day with an annual children’s pantomime, adults’ pantomime, a play and a musical.
Having just finished a panto run of Alice in Wonderland at Luton Library Theatre, The Griffin Players will be holding open auditions at Bushmead Community Hub on Sunday March 3 (10am-2pm) for their next production – a three-night summer run of Disney’s High School Musical.
High School Musical auditions with The Griffin Players
Chairman, John O’Leary, said: “Griffin Players are delighted to support #saveourtown and look forward to the opportunities the regeneration will bring to us, and other amateur dramatic companies, in the town with the new facilities available for both performance and rehearsal and new audiences being attracted in to the town.”
After a long-running planning song and dance, Power Court was last month given planning permission in an historic decision that will mean a 17,500-seat stadium for Luton Town Football Club, but also an 1,800-capacity music venue and a small, niche cinema among the leisure and entertainment attractions.
Newlands Park will be decided on March 11 by Luton Borough Council’s Development Control Committee, with approval needed as it will help contribute to the funding of Power Court.
The M1 junction 10 site will also have a range of leisure and entertainment facilities and another positive decision will be the catalyst for a yearly local economy boost of £250million and 10,000 new jobs, plus further investment and regeneration in Luton.