Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre was brimming with pride on the evening of Friday September 4th at the grand reopening of the newly refurbished auditorium, and rightly so!
It is a precious commodity to have in our town a venue that houses excellent, and now also newly improved, theatre and arts centre facilities. The official opening ceremony for Phase 1 of the refurb was conducted by local MP Matt Warman who spoke highly of the generosity of sponsors and donations which had enabled the refurbishment to take place. The ribbon was cut and all guests including The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston enthusiastically entered the freshly carpeted auditorium to experience sitting in the remarkably comfortable new seats, which boast increased width and leg room, offering a superior audience experience to before!
Blackfriars Chairman Stuart Bull thanked his fellow committee members and all the volunteers and associates of the theatre who had been a part of the achievement and informed guests of the future plans for further development in Phase 2 planned for 2016 providing the required funds are raised. The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston, Councillor Richard Austin then addressed the guests and commented on the supreme improvement made and the importance of the theatre to the community. ‘Visiting Blackfriars Theatre for a performance is now like flying Club Class’ quoted the Mayor. He also went on to say that we now need to encourage all of the local people to support Blackfriars Theatre by coming along to see the wonderful performances, and local organisations should make sure they consider Blackfriars when they are planning their corporate events.
It was more apparent than ever to me on this evening of celebration that Blackfriars is truly a unique place due to some of the most dedicated and passionate individuals who are committed to keeping this venue alive and accessible. The theatre is supported by a team of volunteers who truly care and selflessly give their time. After speaking to guests at the event it was evident that Blackfriars means and offers so much to different people; to some it's a social gathering space for coffee mornings, art exhibitions and classes, it's also a performance home to many local theatre societies, a platform for quality touring entertainment and to several youngsters in the community it’s a training ground for performing arts with a resident academy and other theatre and dance schools also utilising the fabulous theatre for productions and festivals.
This is a place to be visited, enjoyed and returned to, Blackfriars Theatre and Arts centre is ready to warmly welcome you!
Abi Kingsley-Parker
To find out how you can get involved to help raise the money to complete the refurbishment of the rear seats in the auditorium please visit our Refurbishment page or pop in and talk to one of our Volunteers on Box Office. Every little helps.
