Mart Theatre

This was built as (and remains) a livestock market but after the 2000 foot and mouth epidemic new uses for the building were discussed and it now accommodates two seemingly mutually unamenable functions, market and theatre.

The market, which is of no great age, takes the common form of an arena surrounded by a railed-off viewing space. With new seating, and the installation of a heating system, the form serves well for theatre in the round. A carpet is laid over the acting area. A theatre entrance has been built and new toilets installed but upstairs offices are at present pressed into use as dressing rooms. The space is also occasionally used for exhibitions.

An adjoining gravelled area (‘The Gravel Pit’) is managed in conjunction with the theatre for outdoor events.