Branagh backing for theatre campaign
Sir Kenneth Branagh has added his voice of support to a campaign hoping to save an historic and ‘well-loved’ theatre in Sunninghill from demolition.
The Novello Theatre, owned by the Royal Borough council, has sat empty since its lease to Redroofs theatre school ended last year.
In the council’s 24/25 budget, the theatre was listed as at risk of demolition.
However, more than 1,300 people have since signed an online petition to save it and campaign group Save the Novello Picture House plan to bring it under community ownership.
Commenting on the campaign, Mr Branagh, a
Berkshire resident, said: “I’m so impressed by the tremendous response from the community in and around Sunninghill about the future of the Novello Picture House.
“I share their interest in the huge potential for this historic theatre venue. And I am also very appreciative and grateful to the council for its speedy engagement with the issue.
“So much valuable work is being done by those involved with the campaign, and I enthusiastically endorse the tireless efforts of all concerned.”
When the Novello was built, in the early 20th century, it was one of the original cinemas in the country and went on to become a theatre.
It was gifted to the Sunninghill community in the 1920s and campaigners hope to restore this link by operating it as a joint venture with neighbouring venue Cordes Hall.
Mr Branagh added: “The great work already being done at the Cordes Hall can be beautifully complimented by the right vision for the lost gem next door.
“I am hopeful that the upcoming conversations between all the interested parties, can produce a marvellous result for a community that has clearly demonstrated enthusiasm for a great local asset.”
Save the Novello Picture House has applied to the Royal Borough council to designate the theatre as a registered community asset, offering protection against alternative uses of the building.
Alan Everett, the campaign group’s coordinator, said: “We are grateful to RBWM for their cooperation and engagement to date which has led to a better understanding of the issues at stake and lays the foundations for a win-win solution that benefits all stakeholders in the Novello Theatre.
“We remain hopeful this constructive dialogue will conclude in an agreement that restores this neglected, but wellloved and badly needed, theatre back to its rightful position in the heart of our community.”
Cllr Josh Reynolds, the cabinet member for the communities and leisure, previously told the Express that the potential demolition was in the council budget in case it was declared unsafe and needed to come down immediately – but it does not mean the building will necessarily be demolished.
“I would love the community to be able to take it off the hands of the council and run it as the community would want,” he said.
To find out more about the Novello Picture House campaign visit: savenph.org/