Here's something different to get you in the festive mood a step back in time to the laughter and excitement of the Victorian music hall and you are encouraged to dress accordingly!

Bromley Little Theatre, Bromley, has put together a riotous programme of songs, ballads, sketches, jokes and melodrama all with an emphasis on the festive season.

The theatre is for members only but everyone is welcome to join. If not, you can simply call and arrangements will be made for a member to buy guest tickets for you.

Arthur Rochester, the theatre's artistic director, will chair the evening with suitably entertaining patter.

He said: "I introduce the acts, the audience joins in the choruses and a good time is had by all."

The theatre has done a similar show before when it sold out very quickly.

The programme of more than a dozen acts is varied and looks set to be hilarious. For example, the audience will get to rewind the sketch The Master and the Maid, a silent-movie spoof with white-faced actors performing under strobe lights.

Unfortunately the theatre licence means audiences cannot take drinks into the auditorium in the true Victorian tradition but there will be two intermissions to allow those so inclined to indulge in their favourite refreshments.

The final touch to make sure the evening is a memorable recreation of a bygone era is this invitation: everyone is warmly encouraged to gladden the occasion by dressing in Victorian finery. So get out your hats, wing collars or anything even vaguely Victorian and join in a Christmas celebration with a difference.

Dec 7-15, A Victorian Christmas Music Hall, Bromley Little Theatre, North Street, Bromley, membership club, 020 8460 3047.

December 3, 2001 17:24

Joan Gardner