Vital step forward in Chesil Development plan

Chesil Theatre with proposed extension shown on the left. Watercolour by Keith Leaman © Keith Leaman. Reproduced by kind permission.

There were celebrations at the Chesil Theatre, Winchester, when the vital land purchase for their development plan was finalised on October 31st. The scheme will bring a new extension to this much-loved community arts venue.

Contracts were exchanged with St John’s Winchester Charity, to secure ownership of the land adjacent to the medieval Grade 2* listed church which has been the home of the Winchester Dramatic Society from 1966. Since that time the Society has presented a full range of amateur theatre as well as running Youth Theatre Workshops and accepting small-scale touring productions.

“Our members give freely of their time, energy and expertise,” said Chairman, Deborah Edgington. “Every activity at this theatre is run by these volunteers from installing sophisticated stage equipment, making beautiful costumes, building sets, running the two thriving youth groups, to cleaning."

"Unlike some other organisations, we have never had to ask for a revenue grant, as all our activities are self-financing. We have also been responsible for funding all repairs to our wonderful building over the 40 years and will be pleased to continue our excellent guardianship.”

However, to help fund this significant extension of the Chesil facilities and activities, the Society will be seeking financial help from a number of sources including local authorities, the Arts Council, Hampshire businesses and appropriate Trusts and Foundations. The Society was able to include the good news on the land acquisition in their recent submission to Winchester City Council.

The Chesil development, designed sympathetically by local architect Keith Leaman, will greatly improve the street scene and ambience of this important area of the city for residents, visitors and those who work in Winchester. There will be a superb new foyer and entrance, which will double as a rehearsal room, additional dressing rooms, wardrobe and props storage.

These improvements will enable the Society to extend the two Youth Theatre groups, include compliant facilities for the disabled, mount extra productions, attract more small-scale touring companies and include daytime theatre-orientated recreational facilities for the active elderly.

Chesil Theatre President, Tom Williams, added: “Winchester Dramatic Society has brought quality drama to Hampshire for over 150 years. With this exciting project we look forward to doing so for many more as well as securing the future sustainability of this superb historic building for the community.”

Watercolour by Keith Leaman © Keith Leaman. Reproduced by kind permission.

Lisbeth Rake
Marketing and Publicity
01794 388245
The.rakes@zen.co.uk
www.chesiltheatre.org.uk

 

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