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Theatre in NottinghamshireOf all the EMA counties, Nottinghamshire has the most extensive theatre provision. The Nottingham Playhouse, built in 1963, was the first of that great growth of regional producing theatres we have already noted a number of times in this series. In many ways it set the tone of regional theatre development and since then it has gained an international reputation. It is a little larger than most of its "descendents", having between 678 and 766 seats, depending on the configuration, but, unlike many of them, it does not have a studio theatre. Although it is first and foremost a producing theatre, it does occasionally take visiting companies and concerts. Nottingham also has its touring theatre, the Theatre Royal. It has a capacity of 1186. The Lace Market Theatre is an amateur venue (main house 118, studio 60), but is available for hire by other community groups and professional companies. The Bonington Theatre is in the Arnold Leisure Center and is part of the Notts STAGES circuit (see below). It has a capacity of 178. The city also has an Arts and Education Centre with a small auditorium which seats 67 people. It is used for both performances and workshops and also showcases professional theatre. Moving out into the county, Kirby-in-Ashfield's 520-seater Festival Hall is primarily a music venue, but it is willing to consider drama productions. In Mansfield, the Palace Theatre (586 seats) mixes both professional and amateur productions in its programme. The same town also has a small arts centre venue, the Old Library, which seats 100. There is a another Palace Theatre in Newark: only slightly larger than its Mansfield sister-theatre, it seats 607 and also presents a mixed programme. Newark's Robin Hood Theatre is an amateur venue, but it does have some professional hires. Retford also has a mid-scale, mixed performance venue, the 400-seater Majestic Theatre. But a listing of specifically theatrical venues does not cover all that Notts has to offer in terms of theatre provision. There is also the STAGES circuit, described simply as bringing ...the best national and international theatre, dance and music to venues around the County. From brand new shows to Shakespeare, Stages works with professional touring companies from Britain and abroad to create a programme that is brimming over with comedy, splendour, suspense and deeply moving moments. Although STAGES does use specifically theatre venues - for instance, Bingham's Toot Hill Theattre (145 seats) - it also brings performances, from small companies right through to the RSC, to non-theatrical spaces. There is also a sister project, Village Venture, aimed at small villages. Its publicity says From your local village hall to the school in your village, this series brings professional touring theatre to a venue near you. Children's shows, African clowning, new plays, music, Village Ventures is always popular. Introduction Articles Indices: |
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