Pateley Bridge theatre to unveil £120,000 refurbishment

The Playhouse, in Pateley Bridge, is due to reopen this April after a 3-year refurbishment with a production of Phillip King’s ‘See How They Run’.

Fundraising for renovations began in 2020 with an initial aim to raise £75,000, but the eventual expenditure reached £120,000.

The theatre, which originated as a Methodist chapel over 160 years ago, required renovations to legally comply with building regulations and disability access.

Previously, it had no easy access for patrons or visitors with limited mobility.

To sort out these issues, the theatre launched multiple fundraising avenues, including the ‘Give the Playhouse A Lift’ campaign on Justgiving and a Local Lotto scheme.

1964: The building was originally a Methodist chapel

The money raised has funded a rebuild of the lower level of the auditorium – maximising the available space – as well as providing a lift for disabled audience members.

The expansion of the lower level will help people moving between the bar, foyer, and auditorium, and will ensure better ventilation.

The changes will also be in line with new covid regulations.

The new disabled lift (L) and renovated bar area (R)

Eileen Burgess, the most senior member of the Playhouse, said:

“We have long considered the need for improved disabled access and the enforced closure has given us the chance to tackle the issue.”

“It is a complex project, given the layout of our historic building, but we are determined to preserve the unique character of the Playhouse while achieving greater accessibility”.

The theatre still needs a further £20,000 to finish the work.

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The theatre’s renovation will be unveiled by Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society’s adaptation of ‘See How They Run’.

The play tells the comedic story of a paranoid spinster, who believes the wife of her beloved vicar is having an affair, and attempts to expose the infidelity.

The Society has promised attendees “a night of non-stop laughter”.

The performances will run from Monday 17 – Saturday 22 April at 7.30pm.

All tickets cost £10 and can be bought here.