Arts Centre (Bridgwater)

• Theatre ID
  1264
• Built / Converted
  1946
• Dates of use
  • 1946: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Theatre and arts centre)
• Address
  11 & 13 Castle Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3DD, England

Details

The Bridgwater Arts Centre is a three-storey Georgian merchant’s house of affluent style, now united with its neighbour and forming part of a terraced street built from 1723 onward. The theatre was built behind the house in the 1930s, extending over the length of the garden. In 1946, the whole became the first arts centre in Britain. In 1982, with the adjoining house, the theatre was extended sideways to accommodate a balcony, the stage being down one side, and the entrance to the side of the auditorium. The theatre is small with fixed seating only in the balcony. Proscenium stage; no flying facilities. Used for music, drama and cinema presentations.

---

Hide all images

See all images

---

Hide further details

• Events
  • 1946 Use: continuing
  • 1723 Design/Construction: as a house
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1930 - 1939 Alteration: theatre added at rear
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1982 Alteration: adjoining property incorporated; balcony extended
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1959 Owner/Management: Pre Gwen Pollard, owner
  • 1959 Owner/Management: Bridgwater District Council
  • Owner/Management: Later, Sedgmoor District Council, continuing
• Capacities
  • Original: 200
  • Current: 196
• Listings
  • Grade I
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 6.1m Width SL: 5.18m SR: 5.18m
  • Proscenium width: 7.92m
  • Height to grid: 4m
  • Orchestra pit: None