Garrison Theatre

Tidworth (originally an old estate called Tedworth) has a rare survivor in its purpose-built garrison theatre. Originally gas-lit, it has staged every kind of entertainment for the recreation of troops stationed there, from pantomime and concerts to full-scale variety shows starring artists from the UK, USA, etc as well as being used for military briefings from Montgomery and Eisenhower.

Typical of a military building, a flat-floored hall, functional and unadorned; everything survives in original condition, from roof trusses to radiators. In latter years, an elliptical barrel-vault suspended ceiling has been inserted, masking the varnished wood sloping roof lining, except for the stage area where it is still visible. The proscenium arch, which follows the curve of the ceiling probably dates from the same time. There is an extension one side, to give extra room for a bar, foyer space and management offices. The auditorium has a small balcony with fixed seating. It has always been a multi-purpose space and retained its original Canadian pitch-pine floor until very recently when it had to be replaced from the wear of soldiers’ boots for nearly ninety years. The stage has a small grid, but flying room is limited, requiring the use of rolled cloths.

The broad gabled façade expresses the theatre’s very basic form, but the entrance is emphasised by an advanced central open-pedimented porch with unfluted columns. Above this, a blind Venetian window.