Trinity Theatre
Tunbridge Wells England | |
| Coordinates | 51°07′58″N 0°15′44″E / 51.132838°N 0.262207°E |
|---|---|
| Owner | Diocese of Rochester |
| Operator | Trinity Theatre |
| Type | Provincial |
| Capacity | 291 |
| Current use | Theatre, Arts centre |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1829 |
| Reopened | 1982 |
| Years active | 1982-present |
| Architect | Decimus Burton |
| Tenants | |
| Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society | |
| Website | |
| http://www.trinitytheatre.net | |
Trinity Theatre is a theatre and arts centre, located in the former Holy Trinity Church in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Holy Trinity Church: 1829–1972
As a developing spa town, Tunbridge Wells was short of church capacity, and had no parish church. In 1818, the
Due to the popularity of Tunbridge Wells in the Victorian age, a number of churches were built in the town. Hence following the fall in congregation numbers after World War II, the town had a number of churches which were in great need of major maintenance. As the largest church in the town, it was decided to decommission it. The church held its last religious service in 1972.[2]
Derelict: 1973-1981
In 1974 the Church Commissioners declared Holy Trinity "redundant to pastoral needs," thereby allowing for its potential demolition, and redevelopment of the site as housing or offices. However, after a petition was raised by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society, the commissioners gave the society one year to find a suitable public use for the building. After approving in principle a plan to turn the building into a community theatre and arts centre in 1976, £50,000 was raised in six months, to allow a long term lease to be agreed from January 1977 with the Diocese of Rochester.[2]
Trinity Theatre: 1982-present
Supported by
Subsequent grants have allowed developments to include a cafeteria, public bar, and redevelopment of the side vestibules to allow for art shows and local arts classes. In March 1996 an application was approved by the National Lottery for £600,000 of additional internal improvements, which provided a computerised box office, new seats, and an access ramp for wheelchair users.[2]
In its now 25-year history, Trinity Theatre has collaborated with performers and groups from
Tunbridge Wells Theatre Club
Originally launched in 1946 as the Tunbridge Wells Drama Club, after the church became available in 1977, the club and its committee became central to the buildings revival. After the restoration of the building in 1982, it renamed itself as Trinity Theatre Club. Today it is one of the most active amateur theatre clubs in the southeast, putting on four productions per annum.[4]
See also
References
- ^ "Holy Trinity". Roughwood.net. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ a b c d "About Us". Trinity Theatre. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ "Trinity Theatre". Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Archived from the original on 20 October 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ "Trinity Theatre Club". Trinity Theatre Club. Retrieved 24 November 2016.