...Welcome to the Majestic Theatre, Retford


BOX OFFICE : 01777 706866
majestictheatreuk@yahoo.co.uk

Situated in the Midlands of England, The Majestic Theatre has many times escaped demolition. From the boom times of the 30's and 40's to the desperate times of the 70's The Majestic has flourished then declined only to be saved by a dedicated group of theatre lovers.

With sheer hard work and determination The Majestic has not only survived it's chequered past but is now being lovingly restored and renovated to it's original splendour.

It is very much a 'living' theatre and whether you sit in the stalls or tread the hallowed boards, our aim is to provide a top class service to you. Our huge mix of plays, concerts, opera and ballet will, we hope, include something for you to enjoy
   
A Brief History
On 17th October 1927 'The New Majestic Theatre' as it was known was opened for the first time in Retford. It had been built for Mr Cyril Getliffe who also owned two cinemas in the town. The building had been constructed to take both stage plays and moving pictures so it contained all the latest equipment for the time although two years later the projectors were converted to take sound as up till then all films had been silent.

The theatre carried on for many years as a great success. In 1943 the theatre was bought by the Midland Empire Theatres Ltd and professional, variety, pantomime, circus and ice shows played at the venue. Many up and coming stars performed at the theatre (also on the way down). However there was uproar in the town when a decision was made to open the theatre on Sundays to show films.

Under new ownership in 1968 the building was partially converted to a bingo hall but luckily it was still able to show films as well. The theatre carried on with both the bingo and cinema until the collapse of yet another owning company forced the cinema to close in 1983. The bingo hall lasted for a further two years before it also had to close . The building was then left empty for the first time since it's opening.

1986 saw the Majestic open it's doors once again after a local businessman saved the building. It had now been converted to a two-screen cinema much to the delight of the Retford people. Two years later followed live stage shows but cinema attendance started to fall as more and more people ventured further afield to the new multiplex cinemas and the theatre had to close it's doors yet again in 1992.

The Majestic Theatre Trust was set up in 1993 with the aim to raise enough money to purchase the now empty theatre and eventually get it up and running again. A year later the amateur production of Annie Get Your Gun was staged and another set of volunteers formed the Midland Majestic Company with a view to book in shows. Unfortunately shortly afterwards the theatre was once more closed, this time for safety reasons although it was still owned by the Trust and fund raising continued.

Early 1996 saw the start of renovation by a small team of dedicated volunteers. A few years work saw the theatre present the first show for many years. The goal then was to stage at least one show a month and this began in February 1997 with the professional production 'Showmakersz'. Profits were put straight back into the restoration fund and work continued to bring the theatre up to new required regulations standards so the upper circle could once again be opened.

The work still goes on, when we have no show commitments you will hear the sound of drilling and sawing. We are determined to save this beautiful theatre. It is beautiful, come and see for yourself. There is always someone here willing to show you round and you will understand why we are all still here.