A North Nottinghamshire Theatres is calling on patrpns to search their photo albums, drawers and keepsake boxes for memorabilia as it begins preparations for its 100th anniversary. Retford’s Majestic Theatre is a Grade II-listed theatre which welcomes around 35,000 visitors each year, and with a capacity of over 600, it is one of the country’s largest volunteer-led community theatres. It has survived numerous major changes over the last 99 years. Opening on October 17th, 1927, ‘The New Majestic Theatre’ was originally built as a Cine-Variety theatre, where both silent films and plays were accompanied by a live orchestra. Over time, the theatre has survived many changes, including being partially being turned into a bingo hall and cinema. Today, supported by a dedicated team of around 75 volunteers, it now stages over 100 performances, including touring productions, comedy, concerts, a pantomime, as well as providing a springboard for local talent and performers to the heart of Retford, as a place for people to come together and enjoy live entertainment.
The theatre is gathering material for a forthcoming exhibition, “100 Years at the Majestic”, celebrating the people, performances and memories that have shaped it. It is looking for residents, volunteers and audience members to help tell its story, as well as contributions from former employees and performers; in fact, anyone who remembers the building’s cinema or bingo years. Old programmes, posters, tickets and photographs, alongside personal recollections of visits and performances, could help bring the theatre’s history to life.
The search for memorabilia forms part of preparations for a centenary year that will also look towards the theatre’s future. Through its “£100,000 for 100 Years” campaign, The Majestic aims to raise £100,000, which will contribute towards restoring the historic building. This programme includes the restoration of the historic exterior and improved facilities, through the proposed expansion into neighbouring premises to ensure the theatre remains at the heart of the community for generations to come. In its centenary year, the team has an ambitious programme of special performances, community events and heritage projects planned which will be announced soon.
Brady Mould, Artistic Director at The Majestic Theatre, said, “For almost a hundred years, the Majestic has been part of people’s lives in Retford. Generations have come through our doors to be entertained, to perform, to volunteer, or simply to spend a wonderful evening with family and friends.
“As we approach this incredible milestone, we want to hear those stories. Whether it’s an old photograph, a programme tucked away in a drawer, or a memory of visiting the theatre as a child, we’d love people to share them with us. I’m sure there could be some fascinating stories and material out there that we’ve never come across before!
“The Majestic has survived enormous changes over the last century, and that’s thanks to the people who have loved and supported it. Our centenary is an opportunity to celebrate that extraordinary history, but also to look forward and make sure this beautiful theatre continues to thrive for the next hundred years.”
Anyone with memorabilia or memories to share for “100 Years at the Majestic” is invited to email [email protected] in the first instance.
