Group in appeal to save theatre
AN urgent appeal has been launched to save one of Manchester’s most historic theatres from closing – five years after is was named as ‘at risk’ of demolition or redevelopment.
The Playhouse Theatre in Hulme lay empty for decades before it was brought back to life by a community theatre co-operative called NIAMOS in late 2017 and revived as a theatre and arts space. Now, the space is at risk of closure again and is in ‘desperate’ need of repair and a heating system to make it through the winter months.
The theatre was built in 1902 and was originally known as the Hippodrome before changing names with the theatre next door and becoming the Grand Junction Theatre in 1905. The venue was taken over by the BBC in 1956 and hosted some of the world’s most famous stars, including The Beatles and Nina Simone.
In the 1990s, it operated as a black cultural centre and became the first African and Caribbean-led theatre in Europe until it closed in 1997.
After falling into disrepair it was placed on the Theatre Trust’s At Risk register but, at the end of 2017, NIAMOS’ collective of creatives raised £14,500 to put down a deposit and save it from permanent closure. The building has had many evolutions but it’s latest, as a community creative space, has seen it host a number of regular activities from jam nights and spoken word to workshops, shows and support groups. However, the people behind the venue have recently launched a crowdfunder with a target of £50,000 to stop the building from closing.
The crowdfunding campaign states: “We need to honour the important legacy of this renowned venue, still independent in the heart of Manchester and not let another cultural institution be turned into flats.”