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THE ROBIN HOOD THEATRE in 1986
Theatre Director: Josie King - Newark
Treasurer: G S Luff - West Bridgford
Theatre Manager: David Nightingale - West Bridgford
The Robin Hood Theatre was formed in 1961 by the Theatre Director, Valerie Baker, when she signed a lease with Bishop Mark Way, Rector of Averham, Staythorpe and Kelham, at the opening ceremony which was followed by a Shakespearian Recital by Sir Donald Wolfit and Lady Wolfit.
Sir Donald had appeared at the theatre when he was a young boy living in Balderton, Newark, and attending the local grammar school. He kept up his connection with the theatre from the time of this first recital until his death in 1968. In 1967 he bought the freehold of the theatre and the land it stood on, and vested the property in a trust, registered with the Charity Commissioners and he appointed the Bishop of Sherwood, Valerie Baker and himself as the three Trustees. Valerie Baker retired in 1977 and before doing so she started negotiations for
Nottinghamshire County Council to take over the Trusteeship.
I(Josie King) became Theatre Director and continued the negotiations with the valuable help of Charles Dudley Hart, who at that time was a Trustee.
The theatre has always been a mixture of amateur and professional. The Robin Hood Theatre Company presents the amateur shows and these have always proved most popular. We draw both our audiences and actors from allover the county and from Lincolnshire. The theatre has the support of Nottinghamshire County Council Leisure Services Committee for some of its professional productions, and also receives a grant from them which provides the money for a part-time Theatre Manager. The rest goes towards repairs and general running of the theatre. Other activities include a flourishing Ladies Luncheon Club and a newly-started Youth Group which meets every Saturday morning.
The theatre is popular with the people in the surrounding villages, as they can use it for meetings, Mothers and Toddler Group, church functions, and their annual Harvest Festival suppers. It is also hired by various charities for fund raising events. Due to its rural setting, the theatre is unique in the area, and is a great attraction as all the voluntary helpers give the members of the audience a warm welcome and a family atmosphere is generated.