BARNSLEY was looking forward to live theatre returning to the town this time 20 years ago.
In October 1998 Barnsley Theatre Trust announced it had written to those who supported the Theatre Royal Appeal, launched four years earlier in late 1992, asking them if they want to have part of their donation refunded or if the money could be used to open the former Barnsley Boys’ Club premises in westgate as a theatre.
Most, they said, had turned down a refund and it was hoped the premises, originally built as a chapel, may open as a theatre to be known as The Lamproom as early as spring 1999.
“We had to give people who supported the original appeal the chance to reclaim their money because the appeal brochure said that all donations were specifically for the purchase and refurbishment of the Theatre Royal building in Wellington Street,” John Kelly, chairman of the board of trustees, told the Chronicle at the time.
“But the general aim of the trust was to regenerate interest in the theatre and the arts in Barnsley and happily it seems that is why most people supported it. The response to the letters means it may be possible to open the Lamproom, initially with just over 200 seats, as early as March 1999. Doing so will provide the community with an opportunity to see a variety of stage events.”
The sending of the letters to ‘recorded donors’ of the original appeal was the first official notification that the Theatre Royal Appeal had failed. Launched in late 1992, the appeal saw just over £49,000 raised and just under £38,000 spent in the preparation of architectural and structural reports, a business plan and the setting on of a fund-raising co-ordinator.
Fund-raising stopped when it was known the Theatre Royal’s owners intended converting the premises into bars and extensive negotiations with the Charity Commissioners saw the fund mothballed.
Then, in early 1998, Mr Kelly announced he had paid £70,000 for the former Boys’ Club in the hope that board members would turn their efforts to the alternative building. The Barnsley Theatre Royal Trust was re-named the Barnsley Theatre Trust.
“We were heartbroken we were unable to buy the Theatre Royal,” said Mr Kelly.
“But we also have to applaud the present proprietors. We feared the building may become derelict but its fabric is now safe, sound and warm, well looked after and, although not a theatre, is still a place of entertainment.
“Happily, there is no ownership problem with the Lamproom. Our task now is to get it up and running.”
And happily the project was a success. The Lamproom opened only a few weeks after the initial target date in late April 1999, when local opera singers John and Paul Hudson performed on the opening night.
It is still going strong today. John’s daughter Katherine Kelly performed on the Lamproom stage before going on to win a major starring role in Coronation Street and remains a highly respected actress.
