The Playhouse (Cheltenham)
The Playhouse Theatre Cheltenham is a community theatre in Cheltenham, United Kingdom. It is a registered charity and has been run by volunteers since 1957.
The Playhouse Theatre started life as the Montpellier Baths in 1806. The building was converted to a swimming pool in 1898 and then to a theatre in 1945.
In 1716, the first Mineral springs were discovered in Cheltenham, transforming it into a spa. Lords and ladies from all over the country came to drink the waters because it was so healthy. In 1788, His Majesty King George III came to Cheltenham to drink the waters.
1806 saw the opening of the Baths built by Henry Thompson. It boasted 14 warm baths, fitted with marble and Dutch tile, one large cold bath plus smaller ones and a boiler capable of heating up to 190°F.
In 1898, the baths were bought by the Cheltenham Corporation and converted into a swimming pool and slipper baths. Just before the end of the second World War, the Cheltenham Council realised the town’s lack of theatrical facilities, and converted the swimming pool into a theatre.
In April 1945, the first play was performed - Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw.
In 2007, the theatre was flooded twice within the space of five weeks, along with many other parts of the UK. Only two performances had to be cancelled.
In 2008, the auditorium and green room underwent a £340,000 refurbishment, half the funding of which came from Cheltenham Borough Council, together with additional donations from Summerfield Charitable Trust, Trefoil Trust, a generous bequest from a founder member, several of the resident non-professional companies and the charities own fundraising efforts. Full details can be found at the official blog (see link below).
[edit] Companies
The following companies have presented work at The Playhouse:
- Ad Hoc Theatre Co
- Canvas Theatre Company (Professional Training)
- Celtic Circle (Irish Dancing)
- Cheltenham Children's Theatre Association
- Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society (CODS)
- The Cotswold Savoyards
- Deep End Theatre Company
- Dreamshed Theatre Company (professional)
- Focus Theatre Company (professional)
- Friends Theatre Company
- Jacob's Well Productions
- The Playhouse Company
- Theatre Studio
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 51°53′48″N 2°04′27″W / 51.896805°N 2.074265°W
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