The exterior of the old Moore Eady factory in Stockwell Head
Volunteers busily working on the auditorium
The auditorium rake taking shape
View of the original 1972 stage as it nears completion
The upper foyer just days before the first performance of
"The Sound of Music"
Work begins on the expansion of the stage facilities
Audiences packed in to see one of the first ever
productions at the Concordia Theatre
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The Concordia Theatre for its 28 years since opening its doors is steeped in history and events. It all started with one man's idea of a dedicated place in his hometown for societies to present productions, that and much more…
Problems started for the Baptist Concordia Operatic Society (BCOS) back in 1969 when the company found itself homeless after their performing home, the George Ballroom, closed for re-furbishment, which did not include a stage or a place for amateur dramatics. Producer for the society David Goodman told the Leicester Mercury in April 1969 that a simpler, less extravagant production: "If we have to move to a smaller place we will have to alter our choice. There is no chance of moving to either of the cinemas in town and the technical college is only available for use during the term time."
Stuck for a venue it was the extreme idea of Fred Robottom (BCOS secretary) of purchasing an old derelict hosiery factory near the town centre and converting it to a theatre.
Himself and members of the BCOS came together to create the Hinckley Concordia Theatre Club and with the help of an anonymous donation they managed to purchase the Moore, Eady factory at the bottom of Stockwell Head in Hinckley.
A public meeting was called where the plans for the theatre were disclosed and the need for fundraising to help the conversion take place.
The announcement of membership of the theatre club helped boost funds as people could join for a mere 25 shillings and for under 16's just 10s.
Then came the three years of hard work and commitment from thousands of volunteers. Literally miles of piping had to be moved out of the factory, whole floors demolished, a raked auditorium created, fly tower erected and more than a thousand other jobs. Seats were purchased from a local cinema and other items were commandeered for the theatre.
Slowly and steadily the theatre began to take shape.
Meanwhile during the summer of 1972 while the theatre was being renovated the Hinckley Baptist Operatic Society soon to be renamed the Concordia Amateur Operatic Society were busy preparing for their first production in the new theatre, "The Sound of Music".
With the help of donations from Fred and Edith Robottom, Town Council, Arts Council, local industry and many other organisations and individuals the Concordia was just ready for the opening night in November 1972.
"The Sound of Music" heralded through the theatre to a packed audience while paint was still drying on the walls. 5000 people lucky enough to get tickets enjoyed the first but by no means the last production on the Concordia's stage.
During the following years the building was renovated further and more projects enhanced the theatre's facilities. These included a theatre bar and with extra money a whole new building adjacent to the theatre was purchased.
This meant that the theatre now had a dedicated rehearsal room, coffee lounge, youth theatre, scenery bay and cloth painting and storage facilities.
Wing space at the theatre however was a continual problem as productions were limited by the 5' space on either side of the stage. Then came the idea of the stage extension. This project cost over £110,000 and helped to add an extra 15' of wing space on both sides and a further £10,000 to lower the orchestra pit.
During 1988 the theatre created this extension meaning that even more lavish productions could be performed.
Nowadays the Concordia presents over 120 nights of performances every year many to packed audiences. The eleven affiliated societies present a wide range of plays and musicals, pantomimes, revues, concerts and opera.
Budgets for these shows vary but the longest running production, the annual pantomime (27 performances) spends over £60,000 every year on spectacular scenery, effects, costumes, music and speciality acts.
One thing that very few people realise when they see a production at the Concordia is that it is an amateur theatre. Nobody gets paid for what they do. None of the actors, dressers, make-up and dancers receives a payment for their effort. This is expected for an amateur show.
However, the person you bought the tickets from, the front-of-house staff, the coffee ladies, the confectionery counter staff, those selling ice-cream during the interval, the bar-staff, the stage manager and his crew, the lighting and sound technicians receive no money either.
This is a truly voluntary theatre where anybody you see working is doing so as their hobby, their pleasure. Sometimes it is difficult for patrons to remember this. Without the hard work and the dedication of these people then there would be no Concordia theatre, no performances, no show.
During the run of a week-long show many of the crew will put in around 50 hours from fit up to strip out as well as all the planning involved. It can be tiring especially when they work many of the productions the theatre puts on in as season, however satisfaction arises from the result of a professional looking production.
These people spend their free time so that patrons of the theatre can enjoy the productions they come to see.
George Baxter the Chairman of the original Concordia Theatre Club said at the finale of the Concordia's Gala Opening,
"Great things must be done greatly -
With great purpose;
A great mind;
A great courage;
A great energy;
and a persistent patience." |
