Cheltenham is awash with incredible buildings and venues showing entertainment shows of every kind. If you are lucky enough to have used Letting Agents Cheltenham http://www.meandyouestateagents.co.uk/ to find your rental property in the area you will some of these amazing places right on your doorstep. From the Pittville Park area of the town through to some of the theatres.
The Everyman Theatre has graced the Regent Street in Cheltenham for many years having first been opened on 1st October 1891. It is an impressive Grade II listed building and was designed by Frank Matcham. It was originally names “The New Theatre and Opera House” distinguishing itself from the older theatres in the town. The theatre could seat 1500 people on benches located in the room. The theatre expanded its offering in 1929 when it was granted a licence to show screened films, making it a theatre and cinema venue. During the Second World War the theatre became a Garrison Theatre meaning that it provided entertainment for both families and service personnel that were stationed in the Pittville area of the town. With many of the big actors leaving the London area during the blitz many big names came to Cheltenham. In 1960 the Cheltenham Theatre Association took control of the ownership and control of the theatre and continues to do so today.
In 1960 the theatre worked as a Repertory Theatre which means that it operates with a resident company that presents a new play each week. It included individuals like Penelope Keith, Windsor Davies and Steven Berkoff. In 1983 the theatre closed for refurbishment along with the development of the Regent Arcade area. Just a year later in 1986, the theatre reopened showing My Fair Lady featuring Jacqueline Dankworth.
More recently in 2011 the theatre underwent another refurbishment totalling £3.2 million. The main auditorium area was completely restored and the original decorative style of Frank Matcham was reflected with new wallpaper, carpets and some fine art items. It only took a few short months to complete and in September of the same year it reopened with performance including the legendary Sir Ken Dodd.
Each year thousands of people attend the theatre to watch one of the incredible performances and an annual pantomime takes place. There are a variety of shows including comedies, plays, dance shows as well as local performances by small societies and schools.
Making a night of it in the town
An evening at the theatre is easy to build into a wider night out, as Cheltenham has a lively evening scene for visitors and students alike. The Everyman puts on comedy, plays and pantomime, and has welcomed well-known names such as Penelope Keith and Ken Dodd over the years. Some shows even offer the chance to meet the cast over lunch or drinks before the performance.
The Town Hall in the Montpellier area is another historic venue, hosting comedians, musicians and exhibitions in a beautiful building. For food before or after a show, the Brewery quarter is the town’s newest dining and leisure area, with a wide choice of restaurants alongside a cinema and gym, so most tastes are covered.
The Brewery is also home to an indoor crazy golf venue with two themed 18-hole courses, one built around dinosaurs and one under the sea, with a UV area that lights up the balls and sculptures. With bars and clubs across the town as well, it is a good place for a night out with friends, family or colleagues.