ACt in Action No 4

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heritage and also provide a full
service for customers to browse
our catalogue of shows and
backcloths. It will also provide
an insight into the daily life at the
Studio and give an opportunity
to get to know the staff and see
the premises – something which
people who have been previously
unable to visit will no doubt gain a
significant insight from and it will
reflect the personal service that
The Border Studio is renowned
for.
Currently, The Border
Studio is enjoying the ability to
engage with the amateur theatre
community, in particular youth
groups by working together with
ACT, and other organisations to
support and encourage young
people who wish to make a career
in the theatre.
In Leslie’s memory the Leslie
Allan Garner Award was recently
established to support those who
demonstrate a talent for technical
theatre, with a bursary of £1,000
going to a young person each
year so as to allow them to attend
a technical theatre course. The
that not only has his ‘bright idea’
lasted for over 50 years, but that
the fun and magic still remain.
Aworthy legacy for a talented
and accomplished man.
past bursary recipient, Jack Irving
from Lytham St Anne’s continues
to stay in touch with The Border
Studio and now attends university
doing a design course at Central
St. Martin’s in London. Every
year The Border Studio is proud
to award this bursary to someone
who is part of a youth theatre
group, and who can demonstrate
the necessary interest and passion
for the arts that a young Les
did when he initially set out to
become a scenic artist.
Always willing to throw its
doors open, The Border Studio is
a very popular work experience
placement for the local high
schools, and regularly gives tours
to local groups such as the Scouts
& Guides. Recent comments
from some work experience boys
include that their experience was
‘even better than they expected’
and they ‘would love to learn
more!’
For more than 50 years, The
Border Studio has strived to
provide the highest standards of
creative design and craftsmanship
with its sets and backcloths, and
give personal attention to each
and every customer.
Recently, the ingenuity
and quality of work
have been officially
recognised, with its
sets being designed for
the Northern Premiere
of Acorn Antiques –
The Musical! as well
as the UK Premiere of
Disney’s Beauty and
the Beast. The set for
Jesus Christ Superstar
received a fantastic
compliment from HRH
Prince Edward when it
was performed in Ayr.
However, despite all
their hard work, the staff
at The Border Studio
still uphold Les’ sense
of fun and theatrical
spirit, and it can easily
said that no two days
are ever the same whilst
working there.
Disneyland may claim to be
the happiest place on earth but
The Border Studio could give
them a run for their money, and
Leslie Garner would be proud
The Beast in front of the fireplace
Urmston Musical Theatre
a traditional half-term
FAMILY PANTOMIME
URMSTON LEISURE CENTRE
Bowfell Road, Urmston
Tues 18th - Fri 21st FEBRUARY, 2014 at 7.30 p.m.
Sat 22nd FEBRUARY at 12 noon & 4 pm
Online Booking:
Ticket Line: 0161 408 1288