Novello

When the Sunninghill Mission Hall came on the market at the turn of the century, it was purchased by the Hon Ashley Ponsonby and Mr F J Patton, and reconstructed internally with a well-equipped stage and a gallery. They handed over the management of the hall to the Ascot District Liberal Association, but it was used more by the local Conservative Association.

Sir Charles Wyndham was the most notable enthusiast professionally, producing, acting with his leading lady, Mary Moore, and donating scenery and curtains. Although not grand, the theatre was fashionable. Later, in the First World War, it became the local cinema, and was later fitted with sound, continuing to serve Ascot and Sunninghill both as Theatre and cinema.

In 1966, it was purchased by Miss Rose, Principal of the Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, for productions mounted by the School, and at other times available for hire. At this time a dressing-room block was built, the stage facilities modernised, and a modern entrance canopy added. The theatre has a proscenium stage with three traps, but no flying facilities. There are two dressing rooms and a scene dock. Get-in is at street level.