Trinity Theatre facts for kids
.JPG)
Trinity Theatre
|
|
 Trinity Theatre
Location in Kent
|
|
| Address | Church Road Tunbridge Wells England |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°07′58″N 0°15′44″E / 51.132838°N 0.262207°E |
| Owner | Diocese of Rochester |
| Operator | Trinity Theatre |
| Type | Provincial |
| Capacity | 291 |
| Current use | Theatre, Arts centre |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1829 |
| Reopened | 1982 |
| Years active | 1982-present |
| Architect | Decimus Burton |
| Tenants | |
| Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society | |
| Website | |
| http://www.trinitytheatre.net | |
Trinity Theatre is a super cool theatre and arts centre located in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. What makes it special is that it used to be a church called Holy Trinity Church!
Contents
A Church's Story: 1829-1972
Back in the 1800s, Tunbridge Wells was a growing town, but it didn't have enough churches. So, in 1818, a group called the Church Commissioners started a fund to build new churches. People in Tunbridge Wells, led by Lord Abergavenny, decided to raise money for their own church. They collected over £10,000!
A famous architect named Decimus Burton (who lived from 1800 to 1881) designed the church. He had already designed other buildings in the area. He chose a popular style called Gothic Revival architecture, which looks like old medieval churches. The church was built using local sandstone from Calverley Quarry. Work started in 1827, and the church was finished and ready for services in September 1829.
Over time, many churches were built in Tunbridge Wells. After World War II, fewer people went to church, and many buildings needed expensive repairs. Holy Trinity Church was the biggest, so it was decided to close it. The last church service was held there in 1972.
From Empty to Exciting: 1973-1981
After the church closed, it sat empty. In 1974, the Church Commissioners said the building was no longer needed for church services. This meant it could be torn down to build new houses or offices.
But the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society stepped in! They gathered a petition and asked for time to find a new use for the building. The commissioners gave them one year. In 1976, the society came up with a great idea: turn the old church into a community theatre and arts centre! They quickly raised £50,000, and by 1977, they had a long-term agreement to use the building from the Diocese of Rochester.
Trinity Theatre: 1982-Today
With help from the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council, and Arts Council England, the building began its amazing transformation. Over five years, workers fixed problems like dry rot and damaged stone. They turned the old church into a theatre with 350 seats that sloped down, like in a movie theatre.
Later, more money was raised to add even more cool features. They built a cafeteria and a public bar. The side rooms, which used to be small church areas, were turned into spaces for art shows and local art classes. In 1996, the National Lottery gave the theatre £600,000 for more improvements. This money helped them get a computerised box office, new seats, and a ramp for wheelchair users, making the theatre welcoming for everyone.
For over 25 years, Trinity Theatre has welcomed many famous performers and groups, from Steven Berkoff to the Royal National Theatre. It also hosts international shows, films, and art displays. More than 90,000 people visit Trinity Theatre every year, making it one of the top arts places in the South East of England.
Tunbridge Wells Theatre Club
The Tunbridge Wells Drama Club started in 1946. When the old church became available in 1977, this club and its members were key to bringing the building back to life. After the theatre opened in 1982, the club changed its name to Trinity Theatre Club. Today, it's one of the most active amateur theatre groups in the southeast, putting on four plays every year!
See also
