Theatre Improvement Efforts and
Project ‘Next Stage’ 2017
1st major development: The Club's plans to enhance Dibble Tree took a giant step forward with a Lottery grant of £63,000 notified to us in January 1998. The total cost of the works to produce additional rehearsal space, property store, enhanced customer and disabled facilities and updated technical equipment was estimated at £84,000. The balance was to be met from our own fundraising and an interest free loan from the Morton Trust. This work was completed in December that year at a final cost of just over £90,000.
Minor developments between 1998 & 2016: These were funded from surpluses of income over running costs and some specific fundraising activities such as ‘Buy-a-Brick’, Fetes, Talent Shows etc. Work carried out included redesign of Foyer/Kitchen area, upgrading of Foyer toilets and a new fascia, canopy and front door for Dibble. As a result of new Fire Regulations, self-closing Fire Doors were fitted and a new Digital Recording Studio( built in a part of the scenery store replacing the old upstairs Studio, now a properties cupboard!). We also made a start during this time on the upgrading of the theatre Lighting System; a large shed was built to the South of Dibble to house scenery decanted to allow building of the Recording Studio.
2nd major development (Next Stage): In 2013 we carried out a survey questionnaire for all the users, (Active Members, Honorary Members, Audience and Theatre Hirers of all kinds) asking what was liked about Dibble Tree and what needed developing or improving. Analysis of this data was summarised and shared below;
1-The work we did and the ‘Little Theatre atmosphere’ was highly appreciated and loved.
2-The heating, a cranky, ‘Ad Hoc’ electric convector heater system, badly needs updating to make Dibble comfortable, cost effective and useable in the main winter months, especially for older users.
3-The 100-year-old, cinema auditorium seating is very uncomfortable (poor legroom and seat width) for taller and larger people and 4-The Foyer is too small and uncomfortable and in need of a rethink for audience flow and interval comfort.
These considerations were given to our architect and a range of architectural solutions produced for our study. These ranged from a complete rebuild of the Old Dibble Tree at £250,000 to a Dibble Lite (heating and seating only) at £37,000. After much study the Club decided to go for a Next Stage project to be realised in three discrete phases with a total cost in the region of £70,000;
Phase One: Gas fired central heating throughout with appropriate modern insulation, slightly size adjusted, auditorium with a new entrance and modern, space effective seating. Priced £35,000; work began in June 2017 & was fully completed August 2017.
Phase Two: Modernising the ‘Theatre Lighting System’ and enabling the Sound & Light box for Phase 3. Cost around £7000 and 2-3 weeks work time; completed August 2017.
Phase Three: Foyer Redevelopment- Rebuilding the Sound and Light box in a smaller, more usable format and releasing space to the Foyer. Redeveloping the foyer in a more space friendly, modern, accessible way. Estimated cost in the region of £28,000 and may take about 6-9 weeks; planning ongoing with estimated target start date/year in 2019.
Planning permission is obtained for all works and fundraising continues for Phase Three. Learn more about club funding and how you might wish to contribute with a click HERE
Minor developments between 1998 & 2016: These were funded from surpluses of income over running costs and some specific fundraising activities such as ‘Buy-a-Brick’, Fetes, Talent Shows etc. Work carried out included redesign of Foyer/Kitchen area, upgrading of Foyer toilets and a new fascia, canopy and front door for Dibble. As a result of new Fire Regulations, self-closing Fire Doors were fitted and a new Digital Recording Studio( built in a part of the scenery store replacing the old upstairs Studio, now a properties cupboard!). We also made a start during this time on the upgrading of the theatre Lighting System; a large shed was built to the South of Dibble to house scenery decanted to allow building of the Recording Studio.
2nd major development (Next Stage): In 2013 we carried out a survey questionnaire for all the users, (Active Members, Honorary Members, Audience and Theatre Hirers of all kinds) asking what was liked about Dibble Tree and what needed developing or improving. Analysis of this data was summarised and shared below;
1-The work we did and the ‘Little Theatre atmosphere’ was highly appreciated and loved.
2-The heating, a cranky, ‘Ad Hoc’ electric convector heater system, badly needs updating to make Dibble comfortable, cost effective and useable in the main winter months, especially for older users.
3-The 100-year-old, cinema auditorium seating is very uncomfortable (poor legroom and seat width) for taller and larger people and 4-The Foyer is too small and uncomfortable and in need of a rethink for audience flow and interval comfort.
These considerations were given to our architect and a range of architectural solutions produced for our study. These ranged from a complete rebuild of the Old Dibble Tree at £250,000 to a Dibble Lite (heating and seating only) at £37,000. After much study the Club decided to go for a Next Stage project to be realised in three discrete phases with a total cost in the region of £70,000;
Phase One: Gas fired central heating throughout with appropriate modern insulation, slightly size adjusted, auditorium with a new entrance and modern, space effective seating. Priced £35,000; work began in June 2017 & was fully completed August 2017.
Phase Two: Modernising the ‘Theatre Lighting System’ and enabling the Sound & Light box for Phase 3. Cost around £7000 and 2-3 weeks work time; completed August 2017.
Phase Three: Foyer Redevelopment- Rebuilding the Sound and Light box in a smaller, more usable format and releasing space to the Foyer. Redeveloping the foyer in a more space friendly, modern, accessible way. Estimated cost in the region of £28,000 and may take about 6-9 weeks; planning ongoing with estimated target start date/year in 2019.
Planning permission is obtained for all works and fundraising continues for Phase Three. Learn more about club funding and how you might wish to contribute with a click HERE