Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre |
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The exterior from Broad Street
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| Location | Spain Lane, Boston, Lincolnshire, England |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Designated | 27 March 1949 |
| Reference no. | 1389013 |
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The Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre is a special place in Boston, England. It's a theatre and a community hub. This historic building used to be part of an old mediaeval friary. A friary was a place where friars, who were like monks, lived and worked.
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What is the Blackfriars Building Like?
The Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre is a very important building. It is a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a historic building that needs to be protected. It has two floors. The upper floor was once the refectory of a Dominican friary. A refectory was the dining hall for the friars.
The building was changed quite a bit in 1963. An eastern wall was rebuilt, and new windows were added. Inside, you can still see a staircase from the 1600s. It's not in its original spot, but it's still very old!
The building is about 27 metres (90 feet) long. It runs from east to west. When many monasteries were closed down a long time ago, parts of the friary were even used to fix sea walls.
When Was the Friary Built?
The Blackfriars Friary was first built in the 1200s. The first time it was written about was in 1288. Records show it had been rebuilt after a fire. In the year 1300, 29 friars lived there. The part of the building we see today became a theatre in 1965.
Is Blackfriars Haunted?
Some people say that Blackfriars is haunted! They believe a friar's ghost lives there. This ghost is said to hide sharp objects that theatregoers leave under the stage. Spooky!
What Happens at Blackfriars Today?
The Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre is a busy place. It is run by local volunteers. They get help from a full-time theatre technician. The centre has a theatre with 230 seats. It also has a foyer gallery, a bar, and an art studio.
What Activities Can You Do There?
Many groups use the arts centre. These include the Boston Playgoers and BOS Musical Theatre Group. There is also a Theatre Academy for children aged 4 to 19. Other groups like U3A and ballet schools meet here too. You can also hire rooms for events.
The building hosts many fun things. There are performances and workshops. You can take classes and join other activities. The centre also has an art exhibition. It shows art from local artists. The art changes every month.
What About Radio?
Stump Radio started at the centre in 2006. It broadcast during the summer months. This radio station is now called Endeavour FM. It shares news, music, and community events. Local presenters host the shows.
Images for kids
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The exterior from Broad Street
