UK Theatre Network

Local schoolgirl Lauren Holmes presents a posy to HRH Princess Alexandra at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra made a special visit to the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Tuesday 8 November.

Princess Alexandra was met by Alexander Boswell DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council, and Elizabeth Adlington, Chief Executive of Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

Her Royal Highness was taken on a guided tour of the venue where she met a number of invited guests including Jonathan Wilkes star of this year's pantomime, Dick Whittington, and winners of the Kodak Snappy Birthday photography competition which celebrated the theatre’s first birthday.

After the theatre tour, Her Royal Highness was escorted to the second space area where she listened to a special song from pupils from the school choir at Stoke Mandeville Combined School, who recently took part in a concert at the Waterside Theatre with Motown legends The Drifters.

Before departing from the venue, Princess Alexandra unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of her visit.
 
HRH Princess Alexandra and Councillor John Cartwright unveil the official plaque at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “It is a tremendous honour to receive a visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra. We are delighted that she is visiting our magnificent new theatre and I am sure she will enjoy the time she spends with us. A royal visit is a fitting occasion for such a special theatre, which has won the hearts of people across Aylesbury Vale.”

Elizabeth Adlington, Chief Executive of Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra to the Waterside to meet members of the local and business community we have worked with over the last year and share with her our achievements. There could not be a more memorable way to celebrate one year on at Aylesbury
Waterside Theatre.”

(L-R) Elizabeth Adlington Chief Executive of Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Katie Thomas from Musical Kidz Company, HRH Princess Alexandra, Panto Star Jonathan Wilkes and children from the ensemble

Follow this link for a video of the visit at Bucks TV http://www.buckstv.co.uk/buckstv/royalty.html

 About the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre:
Developed and funded by Aylesbury Vale District Council, and designed by Arts Team – a specialist group within RHWL architects, the Waterside Theatre is the principal entertainment venue for Aylesbury and surrounding areas. The state-of-the-art venue, which opened in October 2010, hosts everything from light entertainment, to pop concerts, touring opera, ballet and theatre, as well as community events. The Ambassador Theatre Group manages the theatre on the council’s behalf.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is part of AVDC’s programme to redevelop the county town to support its growing success as an economic destination. A new public space outside the theatre saw the unveiling of a Ronnie Barker statue to celebrate the late actor’s early stage career in the town. The development of a new Waitrose store, hotel and car park on a site near the theatre is set to get underway shortly.