Image ID: 07842

The Robin Hood Theatre - Rear view of dressing rooms

Courtesy of R Baker

Church Lane
Averham
England

The Robin Hood Theatre - or Robin Hood Opera House as it was originally known - is located in the grounds of Averham Rectory. It was erected in 1912 under the auspices of the Rev. Joseph Cyril Walker, rector of Averham from 1907 until his death in 1942. Mr Walker was the eldest son of the Rev. Joseph walker, who was Rector of Averham before him. A wealthy man, the much travelled son included among his recreations, hunting, photography and music. He was an organist of considerable ability and with his brothers and sisters gave the organ to Averham church. His first love, after the church, was the theatre. He began by producing musicals in the village schoolroom at Averham, and in 1912 commenced building the Robin Hood Theatre in the rectory grounds. His chief assistant was the village carpenter, Robert Lee. Although built mainly of wood, the construction was of a very high specification: every effort was made to ensure adequate lights, wings, floats and even a vanishing section which could be drawn up to the apex of the roof 25ft from the floorboards. Dressing rooms, galleries, miles of rope and an orchestra pit were provided, and Mr Walker had his own electric power plant installed for the lighting. The entrance lobby measured 25ftx7ft, and lead into the main hall 50ft long by 254ft wide. The stage, built 3ft above the auditorium, was 25ft deep by 35ft broad with a sloping floor. The proscenium opening was 15ft broad by 10ft high with dressing rooms on either side. By August 1913 the building was all but complete. The first production - by the Robin Hood Operatic Society - was (appropriately enough) 'The King of Sherwood', a musical about Robin Hood. Theatrical presentations at the Robin Hood quickly became an event in the county social calendar - evening dress was customarily worn on first nights, whilst productions were often planned for weeks when there was a full moon so that those travelling to Averham could appreciate the beauty of the countryside and its setting to the full (These were the days before street lighting!). During the First World War the theatre was used extensively to entertain the troops, and a number of them joined in the productions. In January 1917 the Newark Dramatic Society were the guest players at the theatre presenting 'Coils', a musical comedy written by Newark writer Miss Kathleen Minta Garner. It was in this production that the great Shakespearian actor Sir Donald Wolfit (then aged 15 and a pupil of the Magnus Grammar School in Newark) made his debut at the theatre. At the time of writing (June 2004) productions at the theatre are still a regular occurrence.

Date: 19/10/1979

Organisation Reference: NCCE001648

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