Well! We are nearly there. Yes! I know I said that last year, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Honestly !!! You can believe me.!! ??
Anyway for those who haven't been following this..........
We started putting the Groundlings Theatre together in August 2007. The unit next door to the Youth Theatre became vacant and the Committee decided that they would like to create a new Performance space primarily for the Youth Theatre but also for other Community and touring groups. Initially, things went well. We laid a wooden semi-sprung floor, courtesy of Kronospan, and the help of many parents. We were also lucky enough to get a grant from ACW to install the curtain tracks, rostra, lighting and sound equipment and this went ahead before Christmas. In January we stormed ahead with the granting of our Theatre Licence, with every intention of opening with the Youth Theatre's production of "Fiddler on the Roof".
But, it was then that the fickle hand of fate decided to intervene and we discovered that due to a mix-up at the Council, the Planning Department had not been informed !!! So we then started the uphill struggle through the rules and regulations that surround public buildings. It took 6 months to get retrospective planning permission for the change of use. This was followed by a 10 month consultation with the Buildings Regulation Officer, which resulted in us having to remove the ceilings in the two Rehearsal Studios, interspace an extra set of beams, and replaster with fireproof board; installation of a full Fire Alarm system throughout the building; installation of 9 new custom-made Fire Doors; alterations to the staircases and additional smoke insulation upstairs; outside... ramps, disabled parking and a concrete Fire Escape Route and lighting. We received our Buildings Regulation Certificate in July 2009. So we ended up back where we were in January 2008.
Over the last 14 months we have been working hard, generally tidying up the building and moving it towards the planned performance space. Storage areas have been created, and lots of paint slapped on the walls. We have created a ticket desk, installed the information display system, computers, more light and power in the theatre and much needed heating, and a lot of insulation... the tech suite has been kitted out and the control systems wired into the Theatre. So if you haven't been in since Oklahoma! you will see a big difference (.....I hope).
If you would like to see photos of the work that has taken place click here.
BITESIZE Youth Theatre
presents
RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET (by Bob Carlton)
This year's BIG SHOW will be "Return to the Forbidden Planet".
Return to the Forbidden Planet is a Jukebox musical by director Bob Carlton based
on Shakespeare's The Tempest and the 1950s science fiction film Forbidden Planet
(which itself drew its plot loosely from The Tempest), so should appeal to Rockers
and Trekies and lovers of Shakespeare ?
It will be on in the GROUNDLINGS THEATRE over February half term (21-26th February 2011)
The plot follows the crew of a routine survey flight under the command of Captain Tempest. Their spaceship is drawn mysteriously to the planet D'Illyria where mad scientist Doctor Prospero and his lovely daughter Miranda are marooned.
The high energy show features a bevy of 1950s and 1960s rock and roll classics. Featuring songs such as 'Good Vibrations', 'Shake, Rattle n Roll', 'Monster Mash' and 'Great Balls of Fire' it is sure to have audiences rocking in the aisles!
21st to 26th February 2011
at the Groundlings Theatre, Rhosddu, Wrexham
Click here to visit our Seating Plan and Sponsors page 