Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Diana Walkden @dianawalkden.bsky.social · 3d

Don’t miss this opportunity to find out about the European Route of Historic Theatres

Diana Walkden @dianawalkden.bsky.social · 4d

EUROPEAN ROUTE OF HISTORIC THEATRES - Sat 25 Oct 2025 2pm - FREE at V&A Lydia&ManfredGorvey LectureTheatreSW7 2RL
Mark Fox explains the Route’s genesis (120 theatres across 30 countries) current status and future plans.
Book in advance www.ticketsource.co.uk (search Frank Matcham Society)

www.ticketsource.co.uk

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 16d

Two fantastic #BMHS events this October! 🎭
📚 Archive on Show @ Lambeth Archives – Thu 9 Oct, 2pm
🎤 Kirsty Roberts Talk @ The Water Rats – Tue 21 Oct, 7pm (celebrating Black performers in Morecambe’s history)
📖 Book here: britishmusichallsociety.com/events

Events | British Music Hall Society

Our events are sociable affairs and open to everyone, come along and join us!

britishmusichallsociety.com

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Theatres Trust @theatrestrust.bsky.social · 16d

The wonderful Tyne Theatre and Opera House celebrates its birthday today, having first opened on this day in 1867 🎂

The auditorium structure remains the same as when it was first built and is one of the finest of its period.

📸 Ian Grundy

Historic theatre auditorium with blue seating

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Standawhile @standawhile.bsky.social · 15d

Anyone else notice the fabulous foyer of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, site of a recent @frankmatchamsoc.bsky.social guided tour, featured on the first episode of this year's Strictly Come Dancing where contestants met their professional dancing partners and sashayed down those glamorous stairs?

Foyer of Soho Theatre Walthamstow with two staircases leading to Ziggurat Bar. A glitter ball and neon sign hang from the ceiling.

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Wendy Hawksley @wendyhawksley.bsky.social · 28d

#SheffieldIsSuper #Sheffield A chance for a guided tour of the Abbeydale Picture House on 21 September - part of Heritage Open Days.

Samira Ahmed @samiraahmeduk.bsky.social · 28d

Chance to tour the interiors of some amazing & at risk UK theatre buildings thanks to the Theatres Trust 🎭 www.theatrestrust.org.uk/latest/news/...

Explore performance spaces near you

This September theatres around the country are opening their doors to the public with a range of events celebrating their architecture and history with Heritage Open Days, Scotland’s Doors Open Days a...

www.theatrestrust.org.uk

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Samira Ahmed @samiraahmeduk.bsky.social · 28d

Chance to tour the interiors of some amazing & at risk UK theatre buildings thanks to the Theatres Trust 🎭 www.theatrestrust.org.uk/latest/news/...

Explore performance spaces near you

This September theatres around the country are opening their doors to the public with a range of events celebrating their architecture and history with Heritage Open Days, Scotland’s Doors Open Days a...

www.theatrestrust.org.uk

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Theatres Trust @theatrestrust.bsky.social · 27d

Congratulations to HOME and Jon Matthews Architects for winning @news.architectsjournal.co.uk Retrofit & Reuse Award for Adaptive Reuse for the fantastic HOME Arches project

We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the space last year as part of our conference

#RetroFirst

Group of people on a guide tour of HOME Arches

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Theatres Trust @theatrestrust.bsky.social · Aug 29

Fantastic to see Citizens Theatre in Glasgow reopened 🎉

It is a major project in which Theatres Trust has been closely involved over the past decade, including an Advisory review, planning application support and two small but significant grants

www.theatrestrust.org.uk/latest/news/...

Full audience in historic theatre auditorium at Citizens Theatre

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

VictorianLondon @victorianlondon.bsky.social · Aug 9

Edmund Yates checks out the audience at the Alhambra Music Hall, Leicester Square, in 1867

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Dani Garavelli @danigaravelli.bsky.social · Aug 24

Man, the timing of this: so sad. But what a legacy: brilliant theatre everyone could afford.

The Scotsman @scotsman.com · Aug 24

Acclaimed Citizens' Theatre director Giles Havergal dies aged 87
www.scotsman.com/arts-and-cul...

Acclaimed Scottish theatre director dies aged 87 on the day of venue's reopening

One of the best-known figures attached to Glasgow’s Citizens’ Theatre has died.

www.scotsman.com

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Project Gutenberg @gutenberg.org · Aug 23

How Libraries Stand the Test of Time

The digital era builds upon millennia of librarianship as humans strive to preserve our cultural heritage.

By: Maria Papadouris

daily.jstor.org/how-librarie...

Libraries at PG:
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/subje...

#books #libraries

Artistic Rendering of the Library of Alexandria, based on some archaeological evidence.

O. Von Corven - Tolzmann, Don Heinrich; Alfred Hessel and Reuben Peiss. The Memory of Mankind. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press, 2001

The rendering depicts a vast classical interior, resembling a large Greco-Roman hall. High colonnades of Corinthian columns rise in rows.

Along the walls, there appear to be scrolls stored in cubby-like recesses, evoking the idea of shelves or archives for manuscripts. The hall is brightly lit, with light streaming in from clerestory windows above. In the center and foreground, small groups of robed figures (scholars or scribes) are shown in discussion or reading.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Alexandria#/media/File:Ancientlibraryalex.jpg

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Hackney Empire @hackneyempire.bsky.social · Aug 6

We’re thrilled to announce that Chris Sudworth has been appointed as the new CEO of Hackney Empire, starting in January 2026. Chris will join us from his role as Creative Director at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Read the full story here: www.hackneyempire.co.uk/news/chris-sudworth-appointed-ceo

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Hackney Empire @hackneyempire.bsky.social · Aug 20

As proud participants in Open House for over 23 years, we invite you to explore the rich history and stunning architecture of our almost 125- year-old building this September!

Book your guided tour or drop in between 10am - 1pm, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/open-house-2025

Open House | Hackney Empire

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of our Grade II listed building designed by the architect Frank Matcham, by booking your guided tour to

www.hackneyempire.co.uk

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Amanda Bates ASGFA @amandabatesart.bsky.social · Jan 28

Today I visited Kings Theatre, Southsea, with the Portsmouth Urban Sketching group. Some of them appear in my sketch from the dress circle. Sailor fude fountain pen in A4 sketchbook.

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Liz Craig @willsmanonename.bsky.social · Feb 9

Ceiling & balconies of The Kings Theatre in #Southsea, built by theatre designer Frank Matcham, it opened in 1907 #CeilingsOnSunday

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Music Venue Trust @musicvenuetrust.bsky.social · Aug 14

For @thequietus.com, Dan McCarthy explores how the century-old tradition of member-owned social clubs is offering a future for grassroots music venues - and how Music Venue Properties is scaling that model nationwide.

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Aug 14

We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Lane, founder and first Artistic Director of the Traverse. Terry built the theatre in 1962 and helped shape its bold spirit and commitment to new writing. We’re deeply thankful for his vision and legacy.

Terry Lane wearing a black shirt sitting against a white tiled wall with years 1937 - 2025 displayed below.

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · Aug 14

Want to know more about what we do? Then please join us at our next Campaign Meeting on 8:00pm on Wednesday 27th August. Details on how to join us on Zoom are here: https://streathamhilltheatre.org/events

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Amazing London @amazinglondon.bsky.social · Aug 14

Before Hollywood… before fame…a young Charlie Chaplin appeared on stage at the Hippodrome!

From Leicester Square to the Hippodrome, our walk traces the footsteps of legends — long before the lights of Hollywood found them.

A life-sized bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin stands here, dressed as his famous ‘Tramp’ character — bowler hat tilted forward, cane in hand, and a slight, whimsical smile. His baggy trousers and oversized shoes capture the charm and comedy that made him an icon. Set against the bustle of Leicester Square, the statue feels like he’s pausing mid-scene, ready to wander into another silent film adventure.

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Music Venue Trust @musicvenuetrust.bsky.social · Aug 6

Every venue is different, but the challenges they face often look the same. These visits help shape our campaigns, our strategy, and the way we fight for this sector. Thanks to everyone who attended our Venues Meeting in Frome last week.

Next stop Sunderland!

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Music Venue Trust @musicvenuetrust.bsky.social · Aug 6

A huge part of what we do is going out there across the country to meet up with venues, and have conversations about what we’re doing - the challenges, the successes, and more importantly listening to what they need.

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · Aug 6

A new exhibition at Lancaster Maritime Museum showcases stories of black entertainers from Morecambe’s golden era, featuring items from the BMHS Archive. Researched by Kirsty Roberts, she will be ‘In the Limelight’ at the Water Rats on October 21, 2025. Booking link: buff.ly/KcC0Rtu

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Reposted by Diana Walkden

Theatres Trust @theatrestrust.bsky.social · Aug 6

Exciting opportunity to play an important role in the next step in @leiththeatre.bsky.social's journey towards revival

Leith Theatre is on our #TheatresAtRisk Register

www.leiththeatre.co.uk/news-feature...

Project Manager Required — Leith Theatre

Leith Theatre Trust is looking for an experienced Project Manager to help lead one of Edinburgh’s most exciting capital projects and support our second round National Lottery Heritage Fund application...

www.leiththeatre.co.uk

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Diana Walkden @dianawalkden.bsky.social · Aug 5

Some front of house shots
Theatre Royal Norwich

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