Theatre amazed by 30th anniversary exhibits

A theatre has said it is "amazed" by the number of people who have donated memorabilia for an exhibition marking a major milestone.

The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year.

It had appealed for the public to share memories and theatre materials for an exhibition set to open this spring.

"We're in the process of collating what [people have sent in]," said Martin Cleverley, the theatre's general manager.

"I'm amazed how much people have, and how much people have kept hold of."

The Castle Theatre, built on the site of the town's former cattle market in 1995, hosts touring shows, musical acts, comedy performances, and community productions, as well as film screenings.

It is also home to a children's theatre, and a drama and dance school called Castle Arts.

Parkwood Leisure, which operates three other theatres in England, took over the venue's management in 2019.

Mr Cleverley added: "Hopefully we can get most people's [donations] up on the wall in the foyer... so it can be as full as can be."

Alongside the exhibition the theatre will also put on a new production of the musical Annie, which was the first show to be performed in the space when it opened.

The theatre also hopes to offer an annual production where local people can participate on stage and behind the scenes for free.

The exhibition is set to open at the end of April.

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