A WINCHESTER theatre is celebrating its centenary with a recreation of an event held when its doors first opened.

The first event at the Theatre Royal Winchester in 1914 was an evening of variety and film, which will be recreated in modern fashion at Sunday’s Centenary Gala this Sunday.

The free event celebrates the history of the theatre, with live performers, music, comedy, magic and surprises.

A series of short films created by local schoolchildren will be shown throughout the evening, including interviews with those who have performed, worked and visited the theatre over the past 100 years.

The theatre has had support from Lady Jennie Bland, Hampshire County Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and current sponsors Redevco, Chococo and Loch Fyne.

It was nearly demolished in the 1970s to make way for a supermarket before a group of local residents formed an action group to rescue it in August 1974.

The six fought to get the building listed and eventually bought it for £35,000.

A book detailing the history of the theatre will be available on the evening, which starts at 7.30pm.

The schools involved are: St Bede, St Faith's, Kings Worthy, Winnall and John Keble primaries, Osborne special school, Henry Beaufort, The Westgate and The Clere secondary schools.

For more information and to book tickets, call the Box Office: 01962 840440, or go online: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk.