Step back in time to mark anniversary
GUESTS will be asked to step back in time at Theatre Royal Wakefield, 120 years to the day of its launch next week.
The Grade II listed theatre is the world’s smallest Frank Matcham designed theatre, but in the 50s closed as a theatre, operating as a cinema and bingo hall over the years. But a campaign fronted by Sir Rodney Walker in 1981, saw it re-open, and he will lead guests celebrating the building’s 120th anniversary on Wednesday.
Guests will be met by Frank Matcham alias, heritage theatre consultant David Wilmore, who will cut a cake to mark the occasion while sharing its history. It will be a double celebration for the Theatre, which was had a record breaking year, with a significant increase in audience numbers. The venue’s executive director Murray Edwards said the theatre was a “national treasure.”