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Official opening of our theatre

Thomas Clarkson Academy’s stunning 500-seat theatre will be officially opened with a concert by the Royal Air Force Swing Wing Band in March.

Thomas Clarkson Academy’s stunning 500-seat theatre will be officially opened with a concert by the Royal Air Force Swing Wing Band in March.

The theatre was completed in late 2012 and was the final part of the Academy’s state of the art new buildings.

The theatre has already hosted several Academy events and various community events, including a performance by the Wisbech Players and the Rotary Club of Wisbech’s Christmas charity concert.

The official opening event will be held on Saturday March 16th.

Doors will open at 6.45pm and the inauguration ceremony will begin at 7pm, followed by the band’s performance. The theatre is set to be officially opened by Councillor Vivien MacRae, Mayor of Wisbech.

The RAF Swing Wing Band is a 20-piece big band that plays in the style of the bands of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Their programme on the night will include popular numbers covering the swing band years, as well as more modern tunes.

All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the RAF Association Wings Appeal, a charitable appeal that helps in the welfare of both former members and current serving members of the RAF and their dependents.

Thomas Clarkson Academy Principal Clare Claxton said: “Everyone at the Academy is extremely proud of our fantastic new theatre and we are looking forward to welcoming members of our local community to help us declare it officially open.

“We hope many more community organisations will come and stage their events in the theatre in the future.”

Rob Scullion, Sergeant of the RAF Swing Wing Band, said: “This is a unique opportunity to see and hear some of the best live music anywhere and at the same time be able to inspect and enjoy the Academy’s new facilities.”

The Academy’s theatre features bleacher seating and a portable stage which can be adapted for in the round, a catwalk or a traditional stage.

Tickets for the official opening and RAF Swing Wing Band show are £10 and are available from Thomas Clarkson Academy on 01945 585237, from Jan or Ray Hutchinson on 01945 584595 and from Fotogenic in Hill Street, Wisbech.