THE NORBURY Theatre has been celebrating its 60th anniversary of being Droitwich Spa’s hub for the performing arts this week.
The past 60 years have seen an impressive list of alumni begin their acting journeys on the Norbury stage, including Rik Mayall, Darryl Bradford and Micheal Ball with his father.
Though things have not all been smooth sailing, and in 2008 the theatre’s lease was up, raising fears it could have its final curtain call.
With the help of members banding together to save the theatre, the Droitwich Street Arts was formed and renewed the licence.
Since opening in 1962, The Norbury has made its staple as a community-run theatre which is run solely by volunteers.
The Standard delved into some of the theatre’s archived material. Pictures by Marcus Mingins 4122006MMR1 © Bullivant Media.
Norbury Theatre chairman Anne Lane said: “Everything done here is done by volunteers, and it is the love from the volunteers that keeps the theatre going.
“It is the community, it is the love of theatre and enjoying what you do.”
In today’s climate, Brian Hooper, treasure and stage manager, said: “Our biggest challenge is getting bums on seats and being able to provide quality entertainment at a reasonable price.”
With 90 per cent of the theatre’s funding coming from ticket sales, filling seats is paramount.
On the stage, the venue has a hopeful future with an influx of children and youths entering their doors.
Anne added: “People want to be involved, they want to see us thriving, and I strongly believe we will go on because we have that influx of young people.”
An old image of what the outside sign used to look like before rebranding. s
Margret Withers, Norbury Archivist, has volunteered at the theatre for 35 years along with her husband and children.
“There has been a time where I have done four performances a year because I just wanted to get involved, and I love being on stage.
“My husband has no interest in theatre, so he would be behind the bar and sometimes backstage, so we all joined as a family and have been here since.”
To commemorate their diamond jubilee, The Norbury Players have been performing ‘Broadway to Piccadilly – Songs From The Stage’.
The cast of all ages takes audiences on a magical journey with songs from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Miss Saigon, Crazy for You and many more.
We reviewed the show on Wednesday – visit droitwichstandard.co.uk/lifestyle to read it.
The last performances are at 7.30pm tonight, tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) and Saturday.
Go to norburytheatre.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.
