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Plea for century-old theatre after drop in members

BBC Max Bromley, a white, middle-aged man, photographed sitting on chair in front of a red curtain, wearing a green scarf and navy hoody with glasses on the end of his nose. He is sat with his elbows leaning on a table in front of him with his hands together in front of him. BBC
Max Bromley says he has been a member of the theatre since the 60s

An amateur theatre company with a history spanning 100 years is calling for more people to join the organisation.

The Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham was founded as the Nottingham Playgoers Club in 1922.

It moved into its current home - formerly a chapel - in the early 70s and the team worked to adapt it.

With its rich history in the city, the theatre is now focusing on the future, hoping more members will join to ensure its curtains do not close.

The organisation said it had seen a drop in membership since the pandemic and hoped to see new members walk through the door.

Lace Market Theatre An image of a small stage production called The Government Inspector with five actors on a stage set, all looking shockedLace Market Theatre
Members can be involved in roles on and off the stage

For wardrobe master Max Bromley, the theatre company also played a special role in his family's history.

"My parents met at the theatre. My dad was directing a show, and my mum was in it, and so I've been a member, I suppose, since 1962, on and off," he said.

Mr Bromley added: "We're all amateurs here, and we've got an awful nerve. We expect total strangers to pay and come and watch us do something we enjoy doing."

'My happy place'

And they do, which is why the small theatre has stood the test of time.

In its humble 124-seat auditorium, the organisation puts on 14 shows each year.

Ian Smith, who directed the theatre's upcoming production of Skylight - written by British playwright David Hare - said the theatre was his "happy place".

"I still work professionally but volunteer here, and I've done so for a long time.

"It provides a platform for you to be creative and to be part of a theatre that is one of Nottingham's hidden gems," he said.

A young woman with short blonde hair wearing a turquoise dress standing in front of a green wall featuring painted theatre faces
Actor Charlotte Hukin says for her "art is life"

Amateur actor Charlotte Hukin believes it is important for people to grow up with theatre and art.

"You can do as little or as much as you want; there's no pressure," she said.

Members can be involved in roles on and off the stage, including sound and lighting roles, front of house, and administration.

The organisation opened its doors to the public on Thursday, so people could learn more about the theatre and its work.

A general view of the Lace Market Theatre, showing only the top of the façade of the building with a sign that reads 'the lace market theatre' in bold black and white front
The Lace Market has been home to the 100-year-old theatre since 1972

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