Actor Simon Callow has relaunched Malvern College’s iconic Rogers Theatre after a major refurbishment, at a gala evening that included an acclaimed performance of Chicago by some of the school’s performers
The theatre, originally a boxing stadium in Edwardian times, has been rebuilt and extended to include a substantial glass foyer, creating a versatile space for small-scale performances, exhibitions, rehearsals and exams.
It will also provide room for receptions and gatherings before performances and during intervals. The new flexible seating will enable the staging of a variety of drama styles including theatre in the round.
Callow said: “Honestly, I’ll open any theatre – out of self-interest. Partly because perhaps one day I’ll appear in that theatre and because if we encourage people to do plays and go to see plays, and that habit continues as it has for over 2,000 years, I might still be able to make a living.
“I little knew what a wonderful theatre this would be. It’s thrilling – one of those special, rare spaces which, as you step into it, you feel it instantly appeals and you think ‘I want to make theatre now.’”
Keith Packham, the school’s director of drama, said: “We hope that rehearsing and performing in such a wonderfully creative environment will inspire future artistic talent here at Malvern College and in the wider Malvern community.”
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