Redgrave Theatre
The Redgrave
Theatre,
built in 1974, enjoyed national acclaim for its innovative design
and the quality of its Repertory productions. Princess
Margaret was
at the opening night, Dame Judi Dench was among the founder members
and well-known names such as Prunella Scales, Leo McKern, Maureen
Lipman, James Bolam, Fiona Fullerton, Bill Gaunt and Rachel Kempson,
wife of Sir Michael Redgrave attracted audiences.
The people of
Farnham, who had raised
£260,000
(see Above) for this theatre, were
devastated
when it closed in 1999.
The Redgrave Theatre drawing done by actor Dennis Chinnery.
Entertainment in Farnham - lacking a professional theatre
What we survive with now...
The eagerness and enthusiasm for theatre has not diminished. Farnham Rep have to perform in a marquee or a local church in the absence of a proper theatre. Thousands of people have objected to the developer’s plans to demolish The Redgrave without replacing it. It’s ironic that when Farnham Rep perform in Brightwell Garden, the Marquee is immediately adjacent to the dark theatre.
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As we cannot rely on Waverley Council to fund the theatre, people are once again giving hearts, souls, time and money to find a way forward. The FTA has commissioned a Theatre Report and Business Study which shows that Farnham perhaps, more than any other town, could support a theatre without subsidy. We are a wealthy, well-educated population with a great interest in the arts.
...and what we had...
...and
what we have now
Constitutional Vandalism?
