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Theatre show In Search of Xanadu performed in former Margate clothes store

A disused clothing store will be used to stage a one-off theatre show inspired by cult film, Xanadu.

The former Store Twenty One in Margate High Street will stage the show which will be performed in a blaze of colour with dance hits and of course, roller skates.

Margate based dance and theatre company, Round in Circles have spent months researching the town’s archives to inform their production - part of the show, named In Search of Xanadu, will feature a regency hit that was made popular in the 18th century.

The cast on Margate Main Sands. Photo@ Dik Ng (4184430)
The cast on Margate Main Sands. Photo@ Dik Ng (4184430)

Anna Symes, founder, explained: “We found the music to A Trip to Margate, a regency dance created in 1749 and performed at the Assembly Rooms in Tivoli Gardens -we then contacted The Garrick Club in London which houses theatrical archives to undertake further research.”

The score was put through a computer programme that created the music for the cast to dance to.

Memories gleaned from interviews with Margate stalwarts have been woven into the narrative and shows a funny and candid snapshot of bygone years; be it drinking until the sun comes up at Frank’s nightclub or dancing the night away at the legendary, Bali Hai.

It comes after Round in Circles performed I Mambo Margate which featured members of the RNLI dancing on the beach.

Ms Symes says the In Search of Xanadu offers something for everyone.

“The way the film manages to weave together polar opposites is brilliant: Greek mythology, swing dance and 1980s rock.

"There’s incredible dance numbers and it’s an amazing visual experience.”

The performance is part of the Margate Festival which explores the theme,‘Now.’

Sacha Craddock, guest curator, said: "The Margate Festival encourages us to live in the moment, to momentarily stop whatever we do to participate, jump in, and focus on what is really happening."

In Search of Xanadu will be performed at 7pm on Wednesday, September 26 and Thursday, 27.

For tickets visit the website.

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