Maddermarket

Before 1921, the original building had served at various times as a Roman Catholic chapel, a warehouse, Salvation Army hall and general store. Its conversion for Nugent Monck and the Norwich Players was designed for the performance of pre-Restoration drama, for which Monck believed that ‘modern’ (i.e. proscenium) theatres were unsuitable. As it is seen today, the theatre may be considered in two parts, first the ex-chapel, now the auditorium, standing to the right of the theatre complex and, second, the later 1960s extensions.

The Maddermarket was claimed to be the first attempt in this country to recreate an Elizabethan stage, but the constraints of the building prevented the scholarship of the time being fully realised and an end-stage, incorporating two pillars and an apron was created, rather than a thrust. The auditorium was fitted out in the appropriate period style and the entrance off St John’s Alley was similarly treated. The rear of the auditorium was extended in 1953 to provide 100 additional seats and other ancillary accommodation. In 1996 the stage was extended into a thrust format and modifications were made to the gallery. Both stalls and gallery are raked, the latter rather steeply. The acoustics are good, largely due to the retained barrel vaulted ceiling of the original chapel.

The 1966 extensions were made in a contrasting style with white rendered walls, generous glazing, black timber panels and mono-pitch roofs. An enlarged bar, entrance foyer and exhibition space were provided plus backstage accommodation, including a rehearsal room and enlarged wardrobe area. These are arranged to form an entrance courtyard and service yard, both off St John’s Alley.