New look for town theatre

Grove Park Theatre is celebrating with the news that it has received planning permission to develop its premises on Hill Street, Wrexham.

The Theatre intends to make alterations to both the outside and inside of the building. Externally it aims to make the view from the street brighter and more welcoming through a new glass frontage, opening up the Theatre to passers by and letting people see what is going on inside. Internally the modifications range from increasing floor space to modernising its bar facilities and improving disabled access, for instance via a lift to all floors. Theatre members hope this will lead to a more enjoyable experience for the society and its supporters, and encourage new visitors through its doors.

Work is expected to start in the summer of 2010 and continue during the summer of 2011. The cost is estimated to be nearly £400,000: a challenge in this economic climate, especially given that the Theatre is unable to receive capital grants from the lottery. As a charitable organisation, with 85 years of popular plays and sell-out pantomimes under its belt, not to mention a vibrant Youth Theatre, members are hoping to engage the local community in their fundraising efforts. To this end the Theatre is keen to hear from any organisations or individuals who would like to help the project, whether through corporate sponsorship or private donation.

The Theatre’s new Chairman, David Underwood, said: “Grove Park Theatre has a long history of providing entertainment to the community. Our new plans aim to give the people of Wrexham greater access to top quality theatre in a brighter and more comfortable environment.

“Coming at a time when many businesses are moving out of the town, we hope that our improved facilities will attract more visitors and be a boost to the economic and cultural life of Wrexham town centre. We would therefore be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to make a contribution to the developments.”

If you would like to help the project, please contact the Theatre Box Office on 01978 351091, or David Underwood on 01978 291981 or david.underwood@tiscali.co.uk