A NATIONAL THEATRE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 16, Issue 404, 21 March 1947, Page 5

A NATIONAL THEATRE

Sir,-With reference to your article "London to Otautau," in which the need for a national theatre in New Zealand was discussed, I thought you might be interested in the following extract from a recent article in the Kidderminster Shuttle and Stourport Courier, entitled "Kidderminster Makes Theatrical History": "Kidderminster is now the fortunate possessor. of one of the country’s best equipped ‘little theatres,’ and Monday’s opening of the Playhouse by Sir Barry Jackson (director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre) was a memorable occasion, crowning a notable achievement by the Nonentities’ Society. By purchasing the derelict Opera Housewhich became a cinema and later a food store during the war years-restoring and equipping it at a total cost of £16,000, the Nonentities have made theatrical history. It is believed to be the only recorded instance of an amateur dramatic society buying a professional

theatre to be run as such, and the society hopes within 10 years to pay off the outstanding debt of £10,800. The restoration has taken only five months, contractors and sub-contractors winning their race against time, after a hectic last fortnight since the theatre licence was conditionally granted. "The cost of the theatre was £6,000, restoration and equipment bringing the total up to £16,000. Of the £9,500 received, loans accounted for £4,300. A balance of £6,500 remains to be raised, and adding £4,300 (loans to be repaid), gives a total. debt of £10,800. The Playhouse plans not only to be selfsupporting but to pay off this debt within ten years. After that time all surplus funds must (by the terms of its trust) be distributed among educational and charitable objects in the borough of

Kidderminster." —

HARRY

PHIPPS

(Overseas Correspondent, Birmingham and Midland Counties Association, Wellington).