Exactly a year ago, the bridge beams were being removed from the roof of the Redgrave Theatre – and today A Tale of Two Theatres is on sale throughout the town.
This year the Farnham Theatre Association is marking a far better way of ‘raising the roof’ – by celebrating the 60 years of successes of Farnham’s two professional theatres, first at the Castle Theatre and then at the Redgrave.
And before social distancing was imposed on Sunday, March 15, the association held a celebration at Zizzi’s in Castle Street (the original site of The Castle Theatre) to commemorate those stories.
When it became clear the Redgrave building could not be saved, the theatre association was determined these successes should be recorded, to outweigh any negativity which had evolved from the last few years of the Redgrave’s final decline.
Anne Cooper, chairman of the Farnham Theatre Association, said: “As compiler of these histories, I have relied on people’s voices who really did know the theatres from the inside – actors, directors, audiences and the volunteers.
“It is their words that really give life to the story.
“Pictures also help tell the tale. Many photographs, some in colour, are from the archives and memorabilia that we inherited from the Redgrave.
“There are also images retrieved from the Museum of Farnham and some from the Surrey History Centre.
“This book shows the value of archived material in telling future generations about their history.
“Now, after selling the book through our friends and supporters, we hope it will achieve a wider audience and increase the knowledge of Farnham’s cultural history.”
Since the launch, one of the many favourable comments received echoes what many are saying: “Besides being an enjoyable and nostalgic read, it’s also a valuable contribution to Farnham’s history.”
The association is also “delighted” to be supported by Farnham Town Council and Farnham mayor Cllr Pat Evansil.
The book can also be ordered online through Amazon, and any profits will go to protecting the theatre association’s archives.
To order a copy direct, email [email protected] or phone 01252 716394.
The Redgrave Theatre opened in May 1974, replacing the Castle Theatre, but closed in 2008.