Through our then Chairman, D W Thompson, we found our second ‘home’ at 59 East Parade.
“59″ became our home in a very real sense. Green Room meetings were held every Wednesday night – classes, demonstrations, talks and play readings took place. Coffee mornings were held on the first Saturday of every month (this has continued right up to the present day) and fund raising/social evenings were held on the last Saturday of every month.
Whilst resident at 59, The Arts Council Of Great Britain, which gives a large grant to the theatre, stated in its rules that no part of its grant could be used to subsidise the amateur theatre. Therefore the rental for one week at Harrogate Theatre would be 1/52nd of its running costs. The local authority made the same stipulation. As the rent had trebled we could no longer afford to play in the main house.
In 1972, when the theatre was refurbished, a Studio Theatre was created so we transferred there. We played at St. Mary’s Church hall twice a season to make money which meant we could also just afford to perform in the Studio.