Hull Truck Theatre (Spring St)

An agglomeration of buildings based around the former Methodist Hall where the Hull Truck Theatre Company opened its first permanent home in 1983.

The hall had first opened as a theatre in 1970 - the Humberside Theatre, later renamed the Spring Street Theatre. This venture closed in 1982, and in 1983 the Hull Truck company - established in 1972 as a touring company based in a truck (hence the name) - took on the premises and gave the theatre their name.

Originally seating 200, it was later extended to 282 in single tiers on three sides of the stage. The auditorium was entered at ground floor level. Makeshift extensions included a light industrial building for the base of the touring company, and modern offices and dressing rooms in former studio space. The whole place had a lively homespun atmosphere, but development was limited.

The surrounding area had a run down feel and was due to be cleared as part of a major redevelopment. The company, therefore, were invited to move to a new purpose-built theatre nearby on Ferensway - see Hull Truck Theatre (ii) - which opened in April 2009.

The iconic blue-brick Spring Street theatre remained until November 2011 when demolition finally commenced.