The Century Theatre

susie123 · 20-12-2012, 13:31

Does anyone remember the Century Theatre? It visited Accrington but I'm not sure if it was just the once, when I visited, or on a regular basis. It's a long while ago and the memory's a bit dim.

It was a mobile theatre in a big dark blue caravan which unfolded to make a proper theatre. It would have been on Ellison's Tenement I guess along with all the other vans that accompanied it.

I must have gone probably in the late fifties and I saw The Rose and the Ring based on a story by Thackeray. I think I might still have the programme somewhere! That was probably my first experience of theatre going and I have enjoyed particularly since then theatre in small spaces perhaps thanks to that early experience. I have memories of visiting the Century Theatre again but possibly a lot later in Preston perhaps rather than Accy.

I've been trying to find out more on the www and apparently it was put together in 1947 from wartime trucks etc to bring theatre to places without permanent provision. Was in Keswick for a while after it stopped touring and apparently is still going as a theatre at a museum in Leicestershire.

Theatre by the Lake History
Snibston Century Theatre - History

Anyone remember what I'm on about?

cashman · 20-12-2012, 14:44

Thats certainly a new un on me susie

mind yeh twas late 50s n other stuff held me interest back then, would love to know more about it meself.

susie123 · 20-12-2012, 15:09

Here's some pictures, albeit it of it in its more "static" incarnations.

Theatres Database - Resources - The Theatres Trust

Retlaw · 20-12-2012, 15:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by susie123

Here's some pictures, albeit it of it in its more "static" incarnations.

Theatres Database - Resources - The Theatres Trust

Found this, looks like your blue vans were ex R.A.F Lorry's

http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/reso...es/show/3081-c...

susie123 · 20-12-2012, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retlaw

Found this, looks like your blue vans were ex R.A.F Lorry's

www.theatrestrust.org.uk/resources/theatres/show/3081-c...

Thanks for that Retlaw, nice to have a bit more of the history of the outfit and its construction.

Gordon Booth · 20-12-2012, 15:48

I remember it, susie. Didn't the schools take parties of children to it as part of their eddification? Think that's how I went.

susie123 · 20-12-2012, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Booth

I remember it, susie. Didn't the schools take parties of children to it as part of their eddification? Think that's how I went.

Yes you're probably right Gordon. I think The Rose and the Ring which I saw was a children's show.

Less · 20-12-2012, 15:57

Seem to remember something similar when I was at st James junior school Clitheroe, they visited but took advantage of the massive stage in the main hall to perform.

les stewart · 21-12-2012, 06:12

The Century Theatre was also on Union Street Carpark near where the famous round toilets were built. My sister is 5 years older than me and went to the High School, I think she went to see a show. Maybe 1959/60?

susie123 · 21-12-2012, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by les stewart

The Century Theatre was also on Union Street Carpark near where the famous round toilets were built. My sister is 5 years older than me and went to the High School, I think she went to see a show. Maybe 1959/60?

Actually Union Street car park rings a bell for the site... and I was at the High School then - could have been the same show!

Thanks Les for that.

cashman · 21-12-2012, 12:04

Nah then the owd car park rings a distant bell wi me, twas on our football pitch.