Little/Arts Centre

• Theatre ID
  2402
• Built / Converted
  1974
• Dates of use
  • 1974: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  Myrtle Park, Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 2LZ, England

Details

The Bingley Little Theatre which had seats for 150 was in 1974 merged with the Arts Centre. Formerly the Oddfellows Hall it was converted into a theatre in 1948 but was compulsorily purchased and demolished in 1974 when the Arts Centre opened - an adjacent building to the Arts Centre formerly a St Johns Ambulance Hall was converted to a rehearsal space. The Bingley Little Theatre have sixteen weeks exclusive use of the entire complex each year as well as full use of their own leased space fifty-two weeks. They present eight productions per year. Around eight other theatre groups (including youth groups) also use the Arts Centre. Their portion of the premises includes a small end stage studio which is mainly used for play readings and members only performances. The Arts Centre has a spacious foyer/bar area and around 370 seats in a single steeply raked tier. The first two rows are on a retractable bleacher with the rear eight rows on fixed steps. The auditorium is very plain with a utilitarian rectangular proscenium arch and forestage. Some rear seats have poor sightlines. A recent local authority (Bradford MC) report reputedly identified the Arts Centre as the best run and most heavily used community asset. Other uses include trade fairs, dances and wedding receptions.

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• Events
  • 1974 Use: continuing
  • 1974 Design/Construction:
    • Unknown - Architect
• Capacities
  • Current: 373
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Proscenium flat