Churchill

The Churchill was built as part of a redevelopment which included a public library, gallery and shops on part of which site the New Theatre stood until gutted by fire and demolished in 1971.

The theatre is well situated off a pedestrianised precinct with adjacent car parking facilities. The library tends to dominate the façade and much of the auditorium actually lies beneath the library and below ground. Entered from good foyers, the auditorium has continental style seating with side gangways only and both stalls and circle have good sightlines. Interestingly the circle bar lies above the auditorium ceiling.

There is a well-equipped stage, 46 single purchase counterweight lines, an understage set lift, orchestra pit for 18 musicians and good workshop and wing space. There are also two rolling stages with revolves. Good facilities for a producing house, especially when supported by rehearsal space, wardrobe facilities and office accommodation.

This is an interesting theatre with many fine characteristics and it is a pity that from the street it is almost buried within the library complex.