History of Southwell Theatre Club
For a long while we've wondered about the history of Southwell Theatre Club as, sadly, many of our Club records would appear to have been either lost or misplaced. But we have been investigating...
Our Origins
A delve into The British Newspaper Archives has helped to fill in some of the other gaps. We've found articles in the Newark Advertiser and the Nottingham Journal referencing Southwell Theatre Club's performances, meetings and fundraising efforts.
​
We now know that Southwell Theatre Club was established in 1950. Although we haven't found the exact date yet, this newspaper article - from the Newark Advertiser of 25 October 1950 says "The Southwell Theatre Club put on their first show last week". The Club's President was Flora Robson, CBE (later Dame Flora Robson).
We're unclear on the connection as to how or why Dame Flora came to take on this role but we are immensely proud of this fact. Dame Flora was an English actress and star of the theatrical stage and cinema, particularly renowned for her performances in plays demanding dramatic and emotional intensity. Her career spanned sixty years on stage and screen (1921-1981). She died in 1984 at the age of 82.
First Southwell Theatre Club Production:
October 1950 - "Message for Margaret"
- a play in 3 Acts by James Parish
Article: Newark Advertiser, October 25 1950
Source: British Newspaper Archives
It was this poster for Noel Coward's 'Blithe Spirit' that started us
on the path to discovery. Hiding in the archives of Southwell Library, when we found it, it became clear that Southwell Theatre Club has been around a lot longer than we originally thought; we think this is from a production in 1956.
Although we can't be sure that Southwell Theatre Club has had a continuous presence in the town from 1950 to today, it is really wonderful to have found that our roots go back more than 70 years. We're going to take advantage of that and aim to do all we can to celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2025 with more than just champagne and cake!
Recent History
Whilst we can't be sure that there wasn't a hiatus between the activities of the original Southwell Theatre Club and now, what we do know is that the current incarnation of Southwell Theatre Club has been actively performing in and around Southwell since at least the 1970's. Some of our current members have been involved with the club since the 70's & 80's - either through the adult club or the once thriving junior theatre club. Members recall the annual pantomime which brought the adult and junior membership together to perform in front of packed audiences on the stage in the main hall of The Minster School's Nottingham Road site.
​
Our current patron is the award-winning screenwriter and playwright, William Ivory, who was born in Southwell. Billy grew up in Southwell and went to The Minster School. His writing is heavily influenced by living and working in the area where he was born and bred.