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Barn Theatre in Cirencester History
The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has a lengthy and illustrious history spanning over six decades. Originally constructed as a cowshed, the structure is now a flourishing cultural institution that attracts visitors from across the nation.
In the 1940s, the barn served as a fodder and livestock storage facility, but in the 1950s it was converted into a studio for local artist Paul Fryer. In the 1960s, Fryer used the space to create sculptures and paintings, and in the 1950s, it served as a theatre for local productions.
The structure was sold in the 1970s to a group of actors who wished to establish a professional theatre company. The Cotswold Players used the barn as their main base over the years, staging a wide range of productions, including Shakespearean plays, musicals, and modern dramas.
The Cotswold Players went bankrupt in the early 2000s, and the barn was placed up for sale. Ian and Chrissie Carling purchased the building with the intention of transforming it into a modern, state-of-the-art theatre.
The Carlings made significant investments in the building's renovation, installing a new stage, lighting and sound systems, and comfortable seating. Since its 2017 reopening as The Barn Theatre, it has become a popular destination for regional theatregoers.
The Barn Theatre is dedicated to presenting a broad range of productions, from classic plays to modern musicals. The theatre also provides educational seminars and programmes for aspiring actors and theatre enthusiasts.
The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has a rich history that reflects its transformation from a simple cowshed into a flourishing cultural institution. With its commitment to excellence and state-of-the-art facilities, the theatre will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for many years to come.
In the 1940s, the barn served as a fodder and livestock storage facility, but in the 1950s it was converted into a studio for local artist Paul Fryer. In the 1960s, Fryer used the space to create sculptures and paintings, and in the 1950s, it served as a theatre for local productions.
The structure was sold in the 1970s to a group of actors who wished to establish a professional theatre company. The Cotswold Players used the barn as their main base over the years, staging a wide range of productions, including Shakespearean plays, musicals, and modern dramas.
The Cotswold Players went bankrupt in the early 2000s, and the barn was placed up for sale. Ian and Chrissie Carling purchased the building with the intention of transforming it into a modern, state-of-the-art theatre.
The Carlings made significant investments in the building's renovation, installing a new stage, lighting and sound systems, and comfortable seating. Since its 2017 reopening as The Barn Theatre, it has become a popular destination for regional theatregoers.
The Barn Theatre is dedicated to presenting a broad range of productions, from classic plays to modern musicals. The theatre also provides educational seminars and programmes for aspiring actors and theatre enthusiasts.
The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has a rich history that reflects its transformation from a simple cowshed into a flourishing cultural institution. With its commitment to excellence and state-of-the-art facilities, the theatre will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for many years to come.
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