Let’s go on with the show!

From left: Winston Johnston (Kathi’s dad) and Derek Andrews (Louise’s dad) together in a BAOS production; one of the earliest photographs of the Little Theatre; some programmes from the 1920s; Louise and Kathi with portraits rescued from the Little Theatre before its demolition in the 1990s.

My first memory of being in a theatre was a trip to Bangor’s Little Theatre in Central Avenue. I was really young but it was a pantomime and a perfect introduction to live stage shows although to be honest, I can’t remember which one it was! I do recall being mesmerized by a production of the song “Scarlet Ribbons” – the singer, the dancers – it seemed so glamorous and beautiful.

Fast forward a few decades and I’m working for the Co. Down Spectator and enjoying the opportunities to see more shows from Bangor Amateur Operatic Society in the same spot (and Bangor Drama productions too!)

Then, in another life, I got to know Winston Johnston through my family’s business as we supplied stock for the bar at the Little Theatre and he was in charge of running it – so it was a beautiful coincidence when his daughter Kathi contacted Little Bangor Stories via our email here.

Winston had sadly passed away and the Society was wound up in 2024 after 106 years but Kathi and her fellow BAOS member Louise had been amassing as many of the historical documents from the organization as they could. Fittingly, Northern Ireland’s Public Record Office then agreed to store and share it as part of their small collections list.

But Kathi and Louise know there is probably more they can add – and maybe you can help them? Perhaps you were a member? Or you know someone who was? Or you’ve kept some programmes from shows you went to see?

But first, enjoy Louise and Kathi’s happy memories of the Little Theatre and the Society….

Music: Through The Woods by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

The Little Bangor Stories Podcast is also available on YouTube and Amazon Music UK

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Places please, for the prologue….