• What's On
    • past productions
  • Get Involved
    • giving
    • Youth Theatre
  • news
    • development
  • book
  • members
  • Information
    • Statement on Coronavirus
    • youth theatre
    • safeguarding
    • map
    • Membership Forms
Chesil Theatre
  • What's On
    • past productions
  • Get Involved
    • giving
    • Youth Theatre
  • news
    • development
  • book
  • members
  • Information
    • Statement on Coronavirus
    • youth theatre
    • safeguarding
    • map
    • Membership Forms

Chesil unveils development plans at Heritage Open Day

4/9/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Proposed schematic: view from Chesil Street
Chesil Theatre Winchester will again be throwing its doors open to the public for Heritage Open Weekend and the event kicks off with a public display on Friday 8th September between 6pm and 8pm when the latest plans for an annexe to this iconic medieval gem will be unveiled.
 
In 1962 Chesil Theatre became home to the Winchester Dramatic Society which took on responsibility for the good guardianship of this Listed Building and former church. Since that time the Theatre’s activities have expanded with additional productions, two youth theatre groups, visiting small-scale professional shows, hirings and a unique national playwriting competition which was visited recently by Sir Ian McKellen.
 
The proposed annexe gives the essential extra space required with a new, light-filled foyer/rehearsal area, accessible toilet facilities, additional dressing rooms, studio/community room and storage space.
 
Chesil Theatre Chairman Martin Humphrey said:
“At present we are desperately short of space. Our youth theatre has to locate elsewhere and we’ve needed to store essential items in a remote container. The annexe development will not only enable us to meet our current needs, including legal requirements, but will also let us expand our day-time theatre-related activities, particularly for the active elderly. We’ll welcome all those interested in the scheme to our open meeting on 8th September when we can take feedback on board.”
 
Chesil Theatre is well-served professionally having instructed a conservation architect and expert in ecclesiastical buildings. The project is overseen by long-term Chesil Theatre member and retired architect Peter Liddiard, who as a director, actor, set designer and front of house manager knows exactly how the building needs to function. Advice has also been sought from Theatres Trust, the national consultative body. In addition to the open meeting, arrangements are being made for a further exhibition later in the month when it is hoped proposals will be included for Chesil Street by the charity St John’s Winchester, whose plans are being considered in parallel.
 
Heritage Open Days are on 9th and 10th September between 10am and 4pm. Displays will include superb items made by the wardrobe section and from local group Art Talk which created designs for the production After Electra earlier this year. Refreshments will also be available.
 
Chesil Theatre’s season-opening show is Noel Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit which runs from 16th to 23rd September 2017. This is followed by a visiting production of The Railway Plays by Nicholas Joseph on 29th and 30th September 2017. Tickets are available from www.chesiltheatre.org.uk.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    news

    Latest news from the Chesil Theatre

    archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015

    categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    historical news
Picture
Picture
​Proud members of the Little Theatre Guild and the National Operatic and Drama Association
Picture
Picture
Copyright 2021
The Winchester Dramatic Society, registered company 1621492 in England & Wales at the Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester SO23 0HU. Registered Charity 285043, limited by guarantee.