Robin Hood Theatre

The theatre was built in 1913 by the Rev. Cyril Walker and a local builder/carpenter as a timber-built private flat floor theatre set in the grounds of the former Rectory. The exterior is simple and functional. The stage is framed by an ornate proscenium arch painted in gold leaf, flanked by plaster work. The front drop tabs are dark green velvet and the orchestra pit is surrounded by a heavy brass rail hung with curtains of the same material.
The full name chosen for the theatre when it opened was the Robin Hood Opera House and these initials are inscribed on the proscenium arch. The auditorium is on one level. Two small dressing rooms lead off from either side of the stage, above which are a fly floor and cat walk. There is a scene dock behind the stage, which could also be used as an extra dressing room for large cast productions. The backstage arrangements are compact.
In 1951 the Fire authorities refused to grant any further performance licences until the building had been rewired. With a new Reverend in post, a lease given to local Valerie Baker, who gathered a board and set up the Robin Hood Theatre Company. The first restoration came about in 1961 – with much community support the theatre was rewired, the rear half of the auditorium was raked, and the theatre premises were extended through to an adjacent former stable block.
In June 1980 Nottinghamshire County Council became Trustees of the building and undertook roof repairs, and improved the lighting so it could be operated from the back of the auditorium. The theatre went dark in 2007, on health and safety grounds. During the closure the theatre was burgled and suffered flooding. The resident theatre company toured the local halls in the borough. By 2012, after many years of negotiation with the council, the lease was handed back to Robin Hood Theatre Company. After more rewiring and refurbishment, including improving access, the theatre reopened in April 2014.