Wyvern Theatre

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Wyvern Theatre
Wyvern logo 4.png
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon - geograph.org.uk - 365149.jpg
Wyvern Theatre
AddressTheatre Square
Swindon
England
Coordinates 51°33′29″N1°46′59″W / 51.558°N 1.783°W / 51.558; -1.783
Capacity 635
Construction
Built1968 (1968)–1971 (1971)
Opened7 September 1971 (1971-09-07)
Closed3 September 2006 – 25 September 2007
March 2020 – 2021
Reopened25 September 2007
Between August and September 2021
Website
trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

The Wyvern Theatre is a 635-seat indoor auditorium in Swindon, England, opened in September 1971. It is owned by Swindon Borough Council and operated by Trafalgar Entertainment. [1]

Contents

In March 2019, Swindon Borough Council stated the building was likely to reach the end of its life by 2027, when its operations contract ends. [2] [3] Representative Dale Heenan cautioned that structural and maintenance reports showed the theatre required major investment. [4]

In November 2023, the authority suggested the site of a new venue could be the town's bus station, as it was slated for demolition. [5] In September 2024, proposals were released for a new multi-purpose theatre with increased capacity on the bus station site. Proposals have outlined that the existing Wyvern Theatre will be retained, but repurposed as a performing space for community arts groups. [6]

History

The theatre was built in 1968–71 by Casson, Conder and Partner as part of Swindon Civic Centre. [7] It is named after the mythical wyvern which was once the emblem of the kings of Wessex.

The building was opened on 7 September 1971 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The first performance was by a Ukrainian dance company. [8]

On 3 September 2006, it closed temporarily after the discovery of traces of asbestos in the venue's offices and roof void during a routine inspection. It remained closed until September 2007 and the opportunity was taken to refurbish the venue, bringing new decor, bars, cafés, disabled entrances and new seating at a total cost of £1.3 million. [9] In March 2020, the venue closed again temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining closed until between August and September 2021.[ citation needed ]

The Wyvern was one of 11 venues in England managed by HQ Theatres, a company which was acquired by Trafalgar Entertainment in March 2021. [10]

Management companies

Pantomimes

Adam Woodyatt and Lenny the Lion Wyvern Panto flyer Adam Woodyatt and Lenny the Lion Wyvern Panto Flyer.jpg
Adam Woodyatt and Lenny the Lion Wyvern Panto flyer
Floella Benjamin Panto flyer Floella Benjamin Wyvern Panto Flyer.jpg
Floella Benjamin Panto flyer
Jacinta Stapleton Wyvern panto flyer Jacinta Stapleton Wyvern panto flyer.png
Jacinta Stapleton Wyvern panto flyer

Behind the scenes

Awards

Summer Youth Project

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References

  1. About Us – Wyverntheatre.org.uk
  2. Council, Swindon Borough. "Council unveils bold proposals to protect town's treasured artefacts". www.swindon.gov.uk. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  3. "More details emerge on plans to close Wyvern Theatre". Swindon Advertiser. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  4. "Further details of ambitious plan to replace Wyvern and Museum and sell off Civic Offices". swindonlink.com. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  5. "Theatre could be built on Swindon bus station site". BBC News. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  6. "Swindon: Replacement for Wyvern theatre could open in 2026". BBC News. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  7. Pevsner, Nikolaus; Cherry, Bridget (1975). The Buildings of England, volume 26, Wiltshire (2 ed.). Yale University Press. p. 510. ISBN   9780300096590 . Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  8. "Theatre marks a dramatic 40 years". Swindon Advertiser. 10 August 2011. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  9. "Theatre opens for public viewings". BBC News. 22 September 2007. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  10. 1 2 Hill, Liz (31 March 2021). "Trafalgar Entertainment acquires HQ Theatres". Arts Professional.