Majestic Launches Search for Memories as Centenary Countdown Begins

Majestic Launches Search for Memories as Centenary Countdown Begins

Retford's Majestic Theatre is calling on locals to search their photo albums, drawers and keepsake boxes for memorabilia as it begins preparations for its 100th anniversary.

The Grade II-listed theatre welcomes around 35,000 visitors each year, and with a capacity of just over 600, it is one of the country's largest volunteer-led community theatres.

It has survived numerous major changes over the last 99 years. Opening on October 17th, 1927, 'The New Majestic Theatre' was originally built as a Cine-Variety theatre, where both silent films and plays were accompanied by a live orchestra. Over time, the theatre has survived many changes, including being partially being turned into a bingo hall and cinema.

Today, supported by a dedicated team of around 75 volunteers, it now stages over 100 performances, including touring productions, comedy, concerts, a pantomime, as well as providing a springboard for local talent and performers to the heart of Retford, as a place for people to come together and enjoy live entertainment.

The theatre is gathering material for a forthcoming exhibition, "100 Years at the Majestic", celebrating the people, performances and memories that have shaped it. It is looking for residents, volunteers and audience members to help tell its story, as well as contributions from former employees and performers; in fact, anyone who remembers the building's cinema or bingo years.

Old programmes, posters, tickets and photographs, alongside personal recollections of visits and performances, could help bring the theatre's history to life. The search for memorabilia forms part of preparations for a centenary year that will also look towards the theatre's future.

Through its "£100,000 for 100 Years" campaign, The Majestic aims to raise £100,000, which will contribute towards restoring the historic building. This programme includes the restoration of the historic exterior and improved facilities, through the proposed expansion into neighbouring premises to ensure the theatre remains at the heart of the community for generations to come.

In its centenary year, the team has an ambitious programme of special performances, community events and heritage projects planned which will be announced soon.

Brady Mould, Artistic Director at The Majestic Theatre, said, "For almost a hundred years, the Majestic has been part of people's lives in Retford. Generations have come through our doors to be entertained, to perform, to volunteer, or simply to spend a wonderful evening with family and friends.

"As we approach this incredible milestone, we want to hear those stories. Whether it's an old photograph, a programme tucked away in a drawer, or a memory of visiting the theatre as a child, we'd love people to share them with us. I'm sure there could be some fascinating stories and material out there that we've never come across before!

"The Majestic has survived enormous changes over the last century, and that's thanks to the people who have loved and supported it. Our centenary is an opportunity to celebrate that extraordinary history, but also to look forward and make sure this beautiful theatre continues to thrive for the next hundred years."

Anyone with memorabilia or memories to share for "100 Years at the Majestic" is invited to email 100years@majesticretford.org in the first instance.

For forthcoming performances, tickets and information about the Majestic Theatre, visit https://www.majesticretford.org/

Notes to Editors

About The Majestic Theatre

The Majestic Theatre is a Grade II listed, independent historic theatre in Coronation Street, Retford, Nottinghamshire.

The theatre opened on 17th October 1927.

It was designed by Nottingham architect Alfred J. Thraves and originally built as a cine-variety theatre, capable of presenting both live stage productions and moving pictures.

Alfred J. Thraves specialised in cinema design and created iconic buildings across the East Midlands - including the Palais in Nottingham and The Astra in Doncaster.

Its opening production was the musical No, No, Nanette, which ran for a week.

When originally opened, the auditorium accommodated more than 1,200 people.

Today, the Majestic has an official seating capacity of 634, with 369 seats and four wheelchair spaces in the Stalls and 261 seats in the Circle.

The theatre retains important original architectural features and is recognised for its distinctive Art Deco design, including its Portland stone entrance, Art Deco glazing, auditorium decoration and prominent fly tower.

The Majestic is the only surviving theatre designed by Alfred Thraves that is still being used for its original purpose.

During its almost 100-year history, the building has operated as a theatre, cinema and bingo hall and has faced closure and the threat of demolition.

The Majestic Theatre Trust was formed in 1993 and raised the funds needed to purchase the theatre. A volunteer-led restoration subsequently began, with live performances returning following extensive work to the building.

The Majestic is home to The MOB "Mini Operatic Bunch" which is a youth musical theatre group and the junior section of Retford Musical Theatre Company. This group for young people aged 8-18 provides acting, singing and musical theatre opportunities.

Also running from its base at The Majestic, the Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra was formed by three Nottinghamshire musicians in 2017 to bring together performers in the North of England who share a passion for musical theatre. NMTO welcomes a wide range of amateur, semi-professional and professional singers and musicians. The group is committed to breaking down economic and geographic barriers and works with industry professionals who share its vision of access to musical theatre performing opportunities for all.

The Majestic's audiences travel from across the region, with regular visitors from Doncaster, Worksop, Newark, Mansfield, Nottingham, Lincoln, Gainsborough and further afield in Sheffield and Rotherham.

The Majestic Theatre Coronation Street Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 6DX