MALVERN Theatres Players have formally celebrated acquiring their long-term home Theatre House where they have performed for nearly 40 years.
The district council agreed in February to sell the property to the group providing it continued to serve performing arts which has resulted in the new none for profit company The Coach House Theatre (Malvern) which is now the proud owners of the Grange Road building.
Malvern Theatre Players who became tenants in 1977 will continue to be the main residents of the premises presenting up to three productions a year as well as their shows at Malvern Theatres nearby.
The group have overseen extensions and improvements over the last 30 years which has seen the 180-year-old building saved from demolition and transformed into a professionally equipped theatre which can host upto 120 people.
Despite the enhancements care has been taken to preserve the venue’s unique features which remain from when it was part of The Grange next door.
Recently the Malvern Theatre Players have completed an extension to the back which has provided extra dressing room space and other back stage facilities.
A large donation from group member Marie Louise Doherty has made the purchase of the property a possibility and improvements have been funded by the players themselves, Malvern Theatre Association, Arts Council England, the National Lottery, The Elmley Foundation and other private contributors.
Visit www.coachhousetheatre.co.uk or call the venue on 01684 569011 for information on upcoming shows or how to get involved at the theatre.
