The Place

The Place in Bedford was opened in 2003 and comprises of a fully-equipped 130-seat theatre, with a dressing room, rehearsal room, and foyer with audience facilities. Bedford Players Trust, the parent charity of The Place, was established in 1984 and initially supported local theatre groups, and brought professional touring theatre to various venues around Bedford. In 2001, the Trust took over the lease of a 1960s purpose-built open-plan boxing club. Substantial internal modifications were made as part of the conversion of the club into a theatre. The main ground floor area (in which the boxing ring had once stood) was converted into a fully-equipped 130-seat auditorium. The square stage is approximately 7.5m2 with tiered seating on three sides. Stage left has three rows, stage right has four rows and stage front has seven rows. The front row of seats is at stage level and can be removed to create a larger performance space. Actors can access the stage from all sides. An upper storey was also created and is used as rehearsal and meeting space.