Novello (Sunninghill)

• Theatre ID
  805
• Built / Converted
  —
• Dates of use
  • 1900: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  2 The High Street, Sunninghill, Berkshire, SL5 9NE, England

Details

When the Sunninghill Mission Hall came on the market at the turn of the century, it was purchased by the Hon Ashley Ponsonby and Mr F J Patton, and reconstructed internally with a well-equipped stage and a gallery. They handed over the management of the hall to the Ascot District Liberal Association, but it was used more by the local Conservative Association. Sir Charles Wyndham was the most notable enthusiast professionally, producing, acting with his leading lady, Mary Moore, and donating scenery and curtains. Although not grand, the theatre was fashionable. Later, in the First World War, it became the local cinema, and was later fitted with sound, continuing to serve Ascot and Sunninghill both as Theatre and cinema. In 1966, it was purchased by Miss Rose, Principal of the Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, for productions mounted by the School, and at other times available for hire. At this time a dressing-room block was built, the stage facilities modernised, and a modern entrance canopy added. The theatre has a proscenium stage with three traps, but no flying facilities. There are two dressing rooms and a scene dock. Get-in is at street level.

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• Other names
  The Sunninghill Mission Hall
• Events
  • 1900 Use: continuing
  • 1900 Design/Construction: or converted from mission hall
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1918 Alteration: cinema installed
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1960 - 1969 Alteration: converted to theatre; dressing-room block added at rear; modern canopy added
    • Unknown - Architect
  • Design/Construction: C
  • 1900 - 1909 Owner/Management: Hon Ashley Ponsonby & Mr F J Patton, owners. Handed management to Ascot District Liberal Association
  • 1918 Owner/Management: Leased privately as cinema
  • 1960 - 1969 Owner/Management: Redroofs Theatre School (Maidenhead), owners
• Capacities
  • Original: 376
  • Current: 158
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 6.77m Width SL: 7m SR: 7m
  • Proscenium width: 5.49m x 4.27m
  • Height to grid: 5.33m
  • Orchestra pit: Original 6