For her placement at the Borthwick Archive, second year student Charlotte Pearce explored the collection of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Here, she examines the history and importance of the theatre since its foundation in 1935.
For my work placement I helped to process a newly obtained archive from the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. The archive covered all sorts from the opening of the theatre to the present day, including items such as scripts, programmes, letters, posters and newspapers, to name a few.
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre opened 18 November 1935 and was commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust. It’s a Grade II listed building and is the only Rowntree building left that is still used for its original purpose. Since first opening, the owners have always ensured the theatre was as well-equipped as other theatres. From the early 2000s onwards, many changes have been made to the theatre to ensure that it remains accessible to all. The theatre has undergone multiple renovations, including the refurbishment of the auditorium, upgrading the sound and lighting systems, and the replacement of technical equipment. Whilst adapting it to modern needs, there is always a focus on why it was built and a wish to preserve the best of the past. During these renovations, the community has always come together to help raise the funds needed.
Photograph of the Chocolate Works Magazine from when the theatre opened.
From the beginning, it was decided that the theatre would be in the very heart of the community, as a place of affordable entertainment, and it still is today. The theatre continues to be an integral part of society, providing entertainment and opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills. It is run for the community, by the community.
A 2001 article found in the archive – the theatre ‘continues to epitomise the community spirit so central to Joseph Rowntree’s philosophy’.
The owners believe it is the only standalone community theatre in the country, and perhaps even the world, which was built for the members of the Quaker faith. It presents a variety of shows including local amateur productions, dance, and professional productions. Thirty five groups regularly use the theatre, as well as being used to host different events. The Rowntree Players, a group formed by workers at the chocolate factory, made the theatre their home, and to this day continue to perform there on the same stage their founders did.
A newspaper article on the Rowntree Players.
York actors David Bradley (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones) and Ian Kelsey (Emmerdale, Casualty, Coronation Street) both performed for the Rowntree Youth Theatre, and the pair recently became patrons of the theatre during the 85th anniversary celebrations. Bradley has spoken about the importance of the theatre, recognising its role as a vital part of the city, and the opportunities it has provided many young people, including himself.
The Rowntree Nestle company pulled out of managing the theatre to focus only on making confectionary. Despite shocking some, the move allowed those who took over freedom to make changes and the theatre is still continuing to thrive over twenty years since this decision.
As a theatre-lover myself, and someone who has performed and volunteered at my own local community theatre, I understand the importance of the opportunities community theatres provide. Seeing how the values of the theatre haven’t changed, despite the changing of the community around it, has been intriguing. It is the only Rowntree building that continues to be used for its original purpose, and it still brings the community together in such a big way.
YSJU: History, War Studies and American Studies 