Joseph Rowntree

• Theatre ID
  2475
• Built / Converted
  1935
• Dates of use
  • 1935: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  Nestle Rowntree, Haxby Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO91 1RT, England

Details

A free-standing building set back from the road in gardens on a corner of the Rowntree (now Nestle) factory site a couple of miles from York city centre. It opened in 1935 principally for the factory workers - ‘The aim has been to build a hall which may be a fitting centre of those recreational and educational activities which make for a full and happy life’ (from the opening programme). There was no bar - still isn’t - and amazingly no confectionery was available until around twenty years ago. A simple, dignified thirties façe in three blocks is symmetrically pierced by small steel windows. The two lower, projecting blocks are the circle stairs. Three second floor windows in the centre illuminate the former projection suite. Behind the plain brick auditorium block with its pitched tiled roof rises the tall fly tower. The building is gloriously and unmistakably a theatre. The stalls (seventeen rows) are unusually steeply raked giving outstanding sightlines. There is a high dado panelled in light wood. The severely elegant lines are almost unaltered, the only addition being two rather ugly lighting platforms high on the walls above the front stalls. The ceiling slopes down, with deep plaster ribs originally containing concealed lighting, until the final one before the proscenium which is considerably higher than the preceding level to allow for more stage lighting positions. The circle front is covered by a curtain which parts to reveal more stage lighting positions. Sightlines from the circle are excellent. The stage is generous with a sunken orchestra pit which can be covered over to form a forestage. The building is in excellent condition. A more vibrant colour scheme would transform the interior.

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• Events
  • 1935 Use: continuing
  • 1935 Design/Construction:
    • Barry Parker - Architect
• Capacities
  • Original: 450
  • Current: 420
• Listings
  • Grade II - 2003
• Stage type
  • Proscenium flat
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 7.6m Width SL: 6.1m SR: 6.1m
  • Proscenium width: 8.32m
  • Height to grid: 16.46m