Theatre At Capesthorne Hall

Capesthorne Hall near Macclesfield has been the home of the Bromley-Davenport family and their ancestors since Domesday. The Hall, as seen today comprises a main block with two side wings and a stable wing at right angles set in front at the right hand side, set in rolling countryside of a private estate of 100 acres. The Hall was designed by Smiths of Warwick 1719 - 1732, altered by Bloor in 1837 and finally, after a disastrous fire in the central block in 1861, rebuilt by Savin. The stable wing is two-storey and dates from Jacobean times. Following a long tradition of plays presented by the family in the drawing room, Sir William Bromley-Davenport converted the main hall on the first floor into a 200-seat theatre. His sister Alice was an accomplished artist who painted an act-drop, and possibly scenery.

The theatre is approached by the central main doors of the handsome stable wing set under a pediment and with a gable over at roof level, and up a flight of curved stairs. Now seating 156 in stepped rows, the front wall has windows curtained for performances. It has a stage with two sides and a valance top forming a proscenium; tiny apron with steps each side to the auditorium and a small space for acting or perhaps for a musical trio in front. On the side wall are two early C20 murals by Eric Ritchie of Edinburgh, and a lit niche with a head-and-shoulders bronze between. The near other side contains the entrance door at rear, and an exit staircase with a fireplace between.

An unusual example of a private theatre serving six generations of family theatricals, many plays written by members of the family.