Charity Celebrates 20th Birthday

Joseph Rowntree Theatre, the charity that owns and manages York’s only Art Deco theatre mark their 20th birthday and they are on top of the world!

Joseph Rowntree Theatre, the charity that owns and manages York’s only Art Deco theatre mark their 20th birthday and they are on top of the world!

Or, should we say, on top of the roof! Major work is underway to repair all the theatre roofs, install solar panels and also install LED light fittings in the auditorium. The 50ft (15 metre) high fly tower is a landmark in the Nestlé / Rowntree Conservation Area.

Since the charity was formed they have invested heavily in improvements to facilities in all areas. Over half a million pounds of that is since 2003, and the current work will take the overall figure to £1 million.

Dan Shrimpton, Chair of Trustees, says “Once we became a registered charity In 2003 the first thing we had to do was improve the welcome for audiences and we totally transformed the seating to improve their comfort whilst retaining the Art Deco interior which has not changed materially since the theatre was opened in November 1935. We have made huge improvements to all parts of the building over time as well as significantly upgrading the stage facilities.

Joseph Rowntree Theatre - Auditorium view from stage

In 2017, after being tenants for 14 years we managed to accrue enough money to actually buy the freehold, a major milestone which gave us the opportunity to significantly develop the theatre. The current work on the roof is the first step towards creating an even more impressive and welcoming place of entertainment in the future.”

Graham Mitchell, Trustee, added “Many people do not realise that the theatre is independently run and financed and that our charity has no commercial links with other Rowntree charities, or with Nestlé. Many people visiting the theatre do not realise that every show or concert is staged by skilled volunteers; from Stage Management and Lighting & Sound to welcoming customers and operating the Box Office. We are a community theatre, run by the community, for the community.”

To illustrate the community emphasis Graham adds, “During the week preceding the anniversary we held our annual York Community Choir Festival, which we think is unique to York because of its size and inclusivity. This year we welcomed more audiences than ever before, with over 1,100 singers on stage over 8 concerts from age 6 to over 90, singing nearly 200 arrangements from musicals, standards, folksong, barbershop, classical and gospel including arrangements of songs from Abba, Queen, Snow Patrol and Adele. The icing on top came in the shape of BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2022, Naomi Simon and runner up Sam Brophy, performed a short set of solos and a duet on the evening of March 11th. It was a true musical feast and genuine community event where everyone came together to sing their hearts out.”

If you are interested in getting involved, the Charity currently has vacancies for new trustees/directors. please visit https://www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/get-involved/trustees/ for details or call 01904 501935 and leave your details with our box office team. You could help lead into the next 20 years.