Strode Theatre in Street has unveiled plans for a significant refurbishment of the Old Foyer area as part of a series of exciting activities to celebrate its sixtieth anniversary.

The revamped space, funded mainly by an anonymous donor's capital grant, will provide additional seating and dedicated cabinets for creative community groups to exhibit information and memorabilia.

The theatre is also inviting its patrons to contribute to the refurbished Old Foyer by having their name on the wall for only £150 or adopting a seat with a personalised brass plate.

Alongside the refurbishment, the theatre has released a programme full of festivities to mark this significant milestone in its history, starting with a celebration concert with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Strode Theatre, shortly after construction.

The concert will take place on 5th October, exactly sixty years after the Bournemouth Symphony Strings first performed on the Strode stage. The orchestra will perform pieces including Vaughan William's much-loved Lark Ascending, with guest solo violinist Thomas Gould.

A Festival of Music, Song, Dance, Comedy, and Drama is set for Saturday 14th October.

The show will involve over 200 people from communities in and around Street and Glastonbury and includes performances from Avalon Free State Choir, Cosmic, Crispin School, Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society, Glastonbury Male Voice Choir, Southwest School of Dance, Street Theatre Company, Strode College Music & Performing Arts, Strode Theatre Productions, Taking the Space and Topaz Dance.

Paul Townsend, a Trustee of The Friends of Strode Theatre and Chair of Street Theatre Company, who is producing the celebration community show for The Friends of Strode Theatre said: "The strength of participation of the various groups in this celebration show is a testament to the ongoing importance of Strode Theatre to culture and communities in Somerset." 

Strode Theatre today

Both of these celebratory shows will include preview screenings of a short documentary film on the life of Strode Theatre, produced by Strode Theatre and The Friends of Strode Theatre, involving early career filmmakers.

The autumn season will also see potential announcements of a red-carpet film gala, a live broadcast of BBC Any Questions, and a new website launch, further underlining the theatre's commitment to remaining a vital part of the community's cultural fabric.

Theatre Director, Farès K Moussa, said: "I am so excited and indeed feel privileged to be able to present this sixtieth-anniversary programme of events as just the latest of nine Theatre Managers / Directors over the years who - as guardians of this amazing little theatre - have worked so hard to help it alive. I only hope we will see yet another sixty years at least!"  

For more information or to be part of Strode Theatre's continued legacy, please visit The Friends of Strode Theatre.