C Peter Wiles. Photo from The Mikado, Lyme Regis Operatic Society,

 Photograph shows Tracey Dare as Katisha  and Ko-Ko played by Maurice Yarham

Photographs of a wide variety of events at the Marine Theatre are on display at the Theatre Bar exhibition at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. Over the past two years Peter Wiles has taken many photos of the theatre and its eclectic range of events, from the Youth Theatre whirling their red umbrellas on the Theatre Square, to the whole theatre dancing at a New Year’s Eve Ceilidh. Local  productions like The Mikado and The Ghost Train have benefited from his professional eye and visiting productions like “Them With Tails” have had their lively presentation  captured memorably. Peter Wiles said “It’s been a pleasure to record the increasingly lively and varied shows and activities at the Marine Theatre. The improved lighting recently installed in the theatre bar makes the space an attractive new venue for small exhibitions. I’d like to thank Jeremy Smith and Margie Barbour for contributing additional photographs and the staff, trustees and individual sponsors for their support in putting on this exhibition”

On Friday 14 March the exhibition was opened with a party in the Theatre Bar. Ann Jellicoe was among the guests, and she said on leaving “It’s a really wonderful record of the last two years at the theatre, they are really very impressive” Among the other guests enjoying the exhibition were Minnie Churchill representing the Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Mrs Anthony Pitt-Rivers, who was unable to attend herself, but the theatre was delighted to welcome Minnie Churchill as her deputy.  Margie Barbour the Artistic Director welcomed everyone and told of Peter’s growing involvement in the theatre and how much she appreciated being able to call on someone of such skill to record the differing shows she was introducing with her new programme. “I can’t thank Peter enough for turning up at all sorts of times and taking so many wonderful photos for us,” she added, but then went on to ask the assembled guests “And I want all of you here, if you have a secret talent that you would like to have an opportunity to develop here in the theatre, don’t be shy, let us know and we’d be delighted to welcome you.” Among the other guests was Olivia Daly whose graphic design skills had produced the charming invitation.

If you would like to see the photos for yourself call the office on 01297 442394 and arrange a visit or come to one of the forthcoming events at the Marine Theatre like the Martin Simpson concert on Friday 28 March or Harold pinter’s The Lover on Sunday 30 March. Tickets available from the Lyme TIC 01297 442138