Curtain went up to show off work on new theatre dream

WORK was progressing on a new Ashby theatre in 1980 - but the organisers still needed to find £20,000 to finish the project.

A 40-strong society together with their 200 supporters had already managed to raise more than £40,000 through discos, bingo sessions and grants, but a final push was needed before the curtain could be raised.

Thanks to a grant from the Carnegie Trust, the society purchased the old St Helen’s Parish Hall in North Street in 1977 with the aim of transforming it into a fully-fledged theatre.

To encourage more supporters to come forward, the organisers held an open day in March 1980 to give people a look at how work was progressing on the venture.

Dressing and technical rooms were thrown open to the gaze of local people. The visiting crowds were also able to buy one of 125 theatre seats for £30 each which ensured their name would go down for posterity.

Speaking at the open day, chairman Sidney Kendall said: “They have all done so much to make this possible. It is only right they should be able to see what we have been doing.

“I don’t want people to think that this is just a play-thing for the drama society. We want everyone to get something out of it.”

For one member of the drama society, the theatre marked the end of a 40-year-battle.

Leonard Matthews - who was a sprightly 85-years-old in 1980 - founded the drama society with five friends in 1921 and from the start they planned that they would have their own theatre.

Mr Matthews - who was better known as just Matt - said: “We are all very proud of this building. A tremendous amount of work has gone into getting this far. Now we just want a lot more money and the shows can start.

“I’m really glad that I have seen this happen. It is a big thing for all of us. I think this town needs something like this because we have no cinema and hopefully this will become a focal point where people can come and enjoy themselves.”

It was hoped the curtain could be raised for the first performance at the theatre in September 1980.