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The Bear Pit Theatre

3954

The Bear Pit was formed as an organisation in the autumn of 2008 with the aim of creating a permanent, sustainable home for the amateur arts groups in Stratford-upon-Avon.

In April 2010 discussions began with the United Reformed Church on Rother Street with the aim of developing the church hall into a theatre and exhibition space.

From 2012 volunteers began the process of converted the church hall into a 100 seat community theatre, including painting the walls black, sourcing seating and curtains and installing a lighting rig. The auditorium has a tiered seating system and can support a range of theatre layouts. It can also be used as an exhibition or rehearsal space.

In July 2014 a five year lease was signed with the United Reformed Church. In August, a new entrance to the theatre was created by removing a set of double doors in the entrance corridor.

In 2016, the Bear Pit received a grant from the Stratford Town Trust which enabled improvements to be made backstage. The entire area was transformed to accommodate three dressing/changing rooms, a newly created mezzanine for storage and a small office. There is also a bar and kitchen facilities.

Built / Converted
2012
Dates of use
  • 2012 : Theatre, continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre
Address
The United Reformed Church, Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6LU, England
Further details
Other names
-
Events
  • Owner/Management: United Reformed Church - owner
  • 2012 Use: Theatre, continuing
  • 2014 Owner/Management: The Bear Pit Theatre Limited - lessee
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    100
    Comment
    in 2017
Listings
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -