Middleton Popstars opens new theatre

Members of Middleton Popstars with musician Caine Ward

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Middleton Popstars officially opened their new theatre, The Bojangles Theatre, last evening (Friday 21 February) in memory of former member Jack McLean.

Jack unfortunately died after suffering a brain haemorrhage at the age of 19 and always wanted to open a theatre. Jack had been part of Middleton Popstars from the age of eight and even attended after he moved to North Wales.

Director of Middleton Popstars, Ann Marshall said: “The theatre is in memory of Jack. He said he always wanted to open a theatre so now we have finally been able to do it for him.”

The theatre will now be used for a variety of projects and will be available for community groups to use if they have any interest in it.

Ann added: “It is sad that Jack isn’t here with us but it is a happy evening for everyone to celebrate him.”

Jacks Mum, Liz McLean was very impressed with the new theatre. She said: “It is fantastic to see what they have done and we are overjoyed with it. This is certainly a celebration of Jack's life.”

The official opening of the theatre consisted of a special showcase event to show off the variety of talent on offer from Middleton Popstars. “Some of the kids performing tonight haven’t performed before so this is a big thing for them,” said Ann.

Caine Ward, a singer/songwriter and guitarist for Nelly Furtado also performed at the event. He said: “It is brilliant what they have done. I think it is a really good thing for them to do.”

Mayor Peter Rush, a big supporter of Middleton Popstars, attended the event along with Mayoress Monica Rush and said: “It is great to see all of the talent that is on offer here and I am very impressed with what they have done.”

Audrey Richards, a member of Middleton Rotary Club who helped the theatre with funding, said: “It is fantastic to see what has been on offer this evening. We are very pleased with how the funding has been spent.”

As well as The Mayor and Mayoress, 20 members of Jack's family, friends and supporters of Middleton Popstars were in attendance for the official opening.