A ‘Strictly’ brilliant idea for a Gorleston Theatre company and Great Yarmouth show
Pau Irving (left) with Strictly dancers Luba Mushtuk and Giovanni Pernice and director of productions Karis Day.Picture: Tom Kennedy-Dack - Credit: Archant
A seaside theatre is strictly the favourite of a Norfolk entertainer – for it is where he launched his career and a growing business starring top TV dancers.
Paul Irving first stepped on stage at St George’s Theatre in his home town, Great Yarmouth, as a teenage “barman” amid the splurge gun fun of youth musical Bugsy Malone in 1993.
And a one off show starring a Strictly Come Dancing duo he organised at the venue 22 years later has blossomed into a venture now involving three television couples and 100 touring shows.
Paul is currently back at St George’s rehearsing the return of a popular musicals show ahead of another busy ”Strictly” stage season – and told how the converted church holds a special place in his heart and life.
“My sister encouraged me to have go in a Bugsy Malone show in 1993, staged by the Dusmagrik drama group. I was Joe the barman and fell in love the performing world, said Paul, from Gorleston, who is now 36.
After studying performance at university he returned to St George’s as marketing manager. And, as a ”huge Strictly fan”, two years ago he invited Ian Waite and Camilla Dallerup to do a show there.
“It was meant to be a one-off, but sold out over two nights and drew standing ovations and I was asked to tour it,” he added.
Most Read
- 1 Palmers: What is the plan, and when will it be finished?
- 2 Inquest held into death of Gorleston man aged 32
- 3 Norfolk police officer goes on the run to win £100,000 on Hunted
- 4 Fly-tipping mattresses costs mother and son over £1,000
- 5 Four fire crews tackle flat blaze in Great Yarmouth
- 6 Which Great Yarmouth roads are holding Jubilee parties
- 7 New York, Paris, Peckham, Great Yarmouth - Only Fools stars coming to town
- 8 Former nurse died while on holiday on Norfolk coast
- 9 Broads' tragedy: Laura Perry inquest adjourned until end of year
- 10 Roadworks to be aware of in and around Great Yarmouth this week
He has now started a Strictly Theatre Company business based in Gorleston, which has four staff, including wife Elizabeth.
In September it launches a new tour for Ian and Camilla, one featuring Kristina Rihanoff and Tristan MacManus in October and has been running another involving Giovanni Pernice and Luba Mushtuk.
“We are doing more than 100 shows in a year now. As a Strictly fan I am living the dream! And it is all thanks to St George’s,” he added.
Paul admits “I cannot dance to save my life”, but plays comedy and character parts in shows, including the musicals one now coming to the boil for a four performance run at St George’s.
A Night at the Musicals involves professional singers and dancers performing numbers from stage shows and movies – including Cabaret, Moulin Rouge and Cats.
Shows are on August 15 and 28 and September 11 (all 8pm) and a 3pm matinee on September 17. Tickets £14 (£12 concessions). Visit www.stgeorgestheatre.com or call the box office on 01493 331484.
