New Hereford Theatre

In the county town of Hereford, in the mid-1970’s, a group of theatre enthusiasts converted the former Hereford Baths (which dated from 1929, but which had been superseded by a new leisure centre) into the Nell Gwynne Theatre. This was financed in part through the establishment of a charitable trust, which raised £140,000 through a public appeal. The theatre opened on 5th March 1979.

In the early-1980s, with the survival of the city’s commercial cinemas in doubt, it was decided to adapt the theatre for screening films. Roof girders were strengthened to take the weight of the screen. £10,000 worth of film equipment was installed, funded by a legacy left by Stan Hinsley, a former stage manager and one of the theatre founders, who had died the previous year.

Film shows began on 22nd February 1982 with “Being There”, starring Peter Sellers, for three nights, followed by Roger Moore in “The Sea Wolves”. These were interspersed with stage productions.

Unfortunately financial difficulties - debts eventually totalled £190,000 - resulted in the closure of the Nell Gwynne Theatre in July 1984. The final film show was “Police Academy”, starring Steve Guttenberg, on Friday 13th July.

The theatre was rescued by the family organisation headed by comedian, actor and jazz musician Stan Stennett, who became the theatre’s Administrator. With the assistance of a £25,000 grant from Hereford City Council, it re-opened on 1st April 1985 as the New Hereford Theatre.

Unfortunately, it was clear that the building was becoming outdated. Planning for a replacement, on the same site, started in 1993 and received a significant boost when the Lottery Commission provided funding totalling £3.75m.

The new building was constructed from 1997 to 1998. It opened as The Courtyard in September 1998 - see separate Cinema Treasures entry.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.