THE glitterati were out in their masses last weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of a Winchester landmark.

There was nothing short of sparkle as the city’s Theatre Royal celebrated its centenary with a recreation of an event held when its doors first opened.

The theatre started life in 1850 as The Market Hotel, used by cattle farmers as a stop-over, before its transformation to a cine-variety theatre in 1914.

On Sunday it went back in time with an evening of variety and film at the Centenary Gala.

Mark Courtice, chief executive, said: “We had a lovely evening among friends as we created a 21st century cine variety performance to reflect the very first show in the theatre a hundred years ago.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Mark Courtice and Mayor of Winchester Cllr Eileen Berry

“It was a real family party and a fitting celebration.”

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

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

Lady Jennie Bland campaigned to save the theatre in the 1970s when it was nearly demolished to make way for a supermarket, and has supported it since.

A group of six local residents formed an action group to rescue it in August 1974.

Hampshire County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund have also lent their support.

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

A book detailing the history of the theatre was also available on the evening.