Restoration Fund Relaunched

PUBLISHED: January 31, 2024

Restoration work is necessary to maintain the building so that it may be passed onto future generations as a viable base for amateur theatre.

Built in 1914 St James Hall, as it was named, is now over 100 years old. Originally costing £5,489 (£300 over estimate!), the building was listed on 27th January 1978 and is classed as Grade II listed. This means it is of special architectural and/or historical interest. The theatre is situated on Henry Street and is part of the Norfolk Square conservation area. Listing is a celebration of special architectural and historic interest, and plays a vital part in safeguarding this legacy. Grade II buildings are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.

As with all old buildings it needs constant maintenance and upkeep to be able to function. Despite a long track record of such works the building is currently in desperate need of work to keep the water out, in addition to the regular daily maintenance. The roof has a substantial leak to it in a number of places – and the basement has serious damp issues. Top to bottom, the building needs to be made watertight!

Melvin Warhurst

WitH PaRtinGtOn FROM 1955 – 2023

We are relaunching the Restoration Fund, originally initiated by the late Melvin Warhurst, in his memory. Melvin devoted his entire life to Partington Theatre. He joined Glossop Amateur Repertory Club in 1955 and was a founding member of Partington Players.

From 1958 onwards he took on a whole gamut of roles within the company, actor, director, set constructor and painter, general maintenance, treasurer, and company secretary, ending with his role as President of the society. Even at the age of 96 he still supported the theatre by attending plays.

Sadly Melvin passed away in December 2023 but his life’s work lives on here at Partington Theatre. Melvin believed that ‘this little theatre, for over half a century has been, and continues to be, a most valuable amenity to the town.’

We need you, the general public, to give your support to the maintenance and preservation of this special building to safeguard the heritage of Partington Theatre and ensure its longevity.