Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre marks 15 years and has packed programme of entertainment for 2023
A theatre has a packed programme of shows and entertainment lined up for 2023 as it marks its 15th anniversary.
The dozens of volunteers who keep the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre running marked 15 years since the venue in Broad Street reopened following a £1m refurbishment, just before Christmas.
And they’re looking forward to a packed line-up in 2023. Tickets are already selling well for comedian Tom Davies who will be performing on two dates in September.
Theatre manager Judith Mackie said: “We feel that we have travelled so far in this time. The theatre opened with a fundraising concert of local performers coming together for our very first show.”
A week later, the theatre hosted its first pantomime, despite not having proper dressing rooms.
An £80,000 boost came from ITV’s The People’s Millions to provide the money needed for a star dressing room, three further dressing rooms and a green room.
The theatre also boasts a 399- seat auditorium, a disabled lift, orchestra pit and two bars, along with the corn exchange shops which bring in a vital income.
Judith reflected that the first year was “hard without facilities for the professional artists but they were understanding and keen to support us at the start of our venture”.
She added: “A year later we were all singing, all dancing with our fantastic backstage facilities. Over the years we have grown to have a very full programme of entertainment week in week out.”
Famous names that have appeared at the theatre include Des O’Connor, Wayne Sleep, John Cooper Clarke and Marti Pellow.
Comedians have also become popular at the venue as Judith says they “love the intimate feel of the auditorium” with comedy giants Michael McIntyre and Kevin Bridges appearing, as well as Romesh Ranganathan, Tom Allen, Joel Dommett, Josh Widdicombe and Seann Walsh.
While 2023 looks set to be exciting, the end of 2022 marked a difficult time as the theatre came under fire for booking controversial act Katie Hopkins. Within a week of the announcement, more than 150 tickets had been sold, which Judith described as “extraordinary”. This was in spite of the fact a petition had been set up to try and stop the performance, drawing more than 800 signatures so far.
Judith said: “Usually we only sell panto tickets in December, and the even more amazing thing is that people have been going onto our website and finding so many other shows which they have been booking.”
She also said that named artists drew audience members from further afield, which was good, not just for the theatre, but also for the town.
Judith added: “The last few years have been so difficult for all theatres and despite having no council or arts funding, we were grateful for the national funding towards the arts venues.
“We didn’t receive a huge amount, but it was sufficient to keep paying the bills.”
The team are not resting on their laurels either - during 2023 they hope to refurbish the theatre lounge toilets.
Judith promises 2023 is set to be an exciting year.
“We have an amazing line up of shows and are delighted that we have one of the first acts we ever put on - Showaddywaddy - returning to us later in the year.”
Other highlights include 10CC Graham Gouldman, The Manfreds, Fascinating Aida, Dr Feelgood, Paul Young, and Francis Rossi.
Monthly tribute shows and comedy shows will continue, with Carl Hutchinson, Mark Steel and Marcus Brigstocke all on the calendar.
For a spot of family fun, the theatre has Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, performed by Stamford Showstoppers, which will be on during the February half-term break and it wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime. Performances of Stamford Pantomime Players’ Cinderella continue until New Year’s Day.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of patrons and fundraisers and ahead of Christmas, Nicola Sandall organised a fundraising afternoon tea with entertainment from the Stamford Showstoppers which raised £450.
The Eastern School of Performing Arts (ESPA), led by Eddie Burton, also put on a Christmas Carol concert, raising £457.
Most of all though, Judith said she is grateful to the public “who continue to support us”.
Anyone who wants to go the extra mile in that support is welcome to join the 60-strong team of volunteers. If you feel you can help, email info@stamfordcornexchange.co.uk or call on 01780 766455.
To sign up for the theatre’s newsletter and become the first to know about exclusive gigs, visit the homepage of the website at www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk
Tickets are also available online for any of the shows.
