AN APPEAL has been launched which, if successful, could see Droitwich get its first ever purpose-built outdoor theatre.
Droitwich Spa High School has been offered an outdoor amphitheatre from a school in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, which does not want it any more as it is taking up too much space in its grounds.
The 200-seat theatre, complete with roof, would be placed on the front field in the school’s grounds.
As well as being used for drama lessons and school productions, it would also be available to the Droitwich community and local theatre groups to stage plays, musicals, concerts and more.
Because of its planned position, near the games field, it could also act as a base for sporting events hosted by the school.
The steel structure would is being offered free for the school to take away but the costs of dismantling it, transporting it to Droitwich and rebuilding it are beyond what the school can afford. There would also need to be a concrete base built to stand the theatre on.
Deputy headteacher Jonathan Brook told The Standard the school would like to hear from any local companies or organisations which could offer their services to dismantle the structure, transport it to Droitwich, build a concrete base and reassemble the theatre.
“We have looked at the costs of moving it and they are quite high – much more than the school can afford.
“It may be that two or three come forward to take on one of the jobs each but we will co-ordinate everything to ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time.”
He said they had the space for it and the school and the wider community would get plenty of use out of it, all that was needed was some help in making it happen.
“We could open it at anytime for a nominal fee,” he added.
Anne Lane, the chairman of the Norbury Theatre, said it was a really exciting project for Droitwich.
“We have done outdoor theatre in the past but to have a ready made venue right here in the town would be simply amazing.
“It could also attract outdoor touring companies which would not otherwise come to Droitwich.
“It has the potential to be a really wonderful community facility – I just hope someone out there can come forward and help make this dream a reality.”
Anyone who can help with the project should e-mail Mr Brook at [email protected] or call Droitwich Spa High School on 01905 774421.
