Will there be dinosaurs?

Will there be Dinosaurs? That’s the question hundreds of local theatre fans are asking as the second open air play of the season at Lytham Hall approaches.

On Sunday 9 July at 6.00 pm Fylde coast favourites Illyria will present artistic director Oliver Gray’s new stage production of Arthur Conan Doyle’s adventure story The Lost World – from which the Jurassic Park story developed.

Theatre organiser Julian Wilde believes that the audience is in for a major shock.

“Illyria have in past years catapulted Mrs. Twit to the top of a 30 foot tree tree, produced a terrifying red-eyed Hound of the Baskervilles from the undergrowth and flown a Giant Peach right over the heads of the watchers, so I think we are in for a real eye-opener."

Oliver Gray, who celebrated 25 years of his company last summer, was impressed after travelling up from the company’s Cornwall base for his first visit to Lytham Hall last July. Now he is looking forward to Illyria playing at one of their favourite venues once again.

“It was a delight to see for myself the enthusiasm of our army of loyal followers on the Lancashire coast. They are warm and knowledgeable.

The news of our 2017 production of The Lost World is meeting with much approval. It’s an Indiana Jones over-the-top type of adventure story set in a remote plateau above the Amazon basin, written by novelist Conan Doyle in 1912.

Dinosaurs seem to have a universal fascination for those of every age and the audience will need to keep their eyes peeled,” he said.

Illyria’s cast of five will come to Lytham Hall for just the second of 47 open air dates at venues throughout the country during their summer tour lasting 57 days.

The Lytham Community choir, led by musical director Graham Warrington, will entertain for 45 minutes before the show.

Gates open for picnics 2 hours before the performance for picnics and the audience is asked to bring their own low-backed seating, a rug and suitable clothing. There will be free parking close to the arena, with refreshments and a licensed bar open from 5.15.

Tickets: Adult £13 Concessions: Senior/student £10, Schoolchild £6.50

ON LINE BOOKINGS from www.illyria.uk.com and locally from Lytham Hall phone 01253 736652; Lowther Pavilion, Lytham 794221 (booking online also available) and other local outlets