Morecambe Winter Gardens "can draw concert audiences from far and wide"

Wednesday, 2 February 2022 12:03

By Greg Lambert

The Morecambe Winter Gardens is still a 'Theatre at Risk' but has massive potential for the future, says the UK's advisory body for theatres.

Theatres Trust praised the work of volunteers at the Winter Gardens as an example of what can be achieved "to breathe new life into previously neglected theatres with passionate community support and a concerted collaborative effort".

The building remains on the trust's Theatres at Risk register, which was updated and released on Wednesday.

But a Theatres Trust report said: "This is a landmark building at the very heart of Morecambe that has seen a great amount of support from the local community over many years."

The Morecambe seafront building, which celebrates its 125th birthday in 2022, was closed as a performance venue for much of 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions.

But the trust said the theatre still had more than 11,000 visitors between April and October 2021, and 6,120 visitors between July and October 2020, despite restrictions.

It also said a recent concert at the theatre by popular band The Levellers is proof that the venue can attract concert-goers from far and wide.

The gig in November 2021 drew 970 people from Lancashire, Cumbria, Derbyshire and Northumberland as well as other parts of the UK.

Theatre owners the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust (MWGPT) are currently carrying out a feasibility study and long-term business plan for the building, expected to be completed this spring.

Restoration work on the grand old theatre, which closed in 1977, is ongoing.

"The work achieved to date has allowed the theatre to open to the public for a mixed programme of entertainment, operating from the ground floor and stalls only," said the Theatres Trust report.

"While the circle level and upper levels are open for public tours, they are currently undergoing restoration. MWGPT continues to progress the restoration through its loyal volunteer groups, however, both the scale of the work and the costs involved are substantial. Significant funding is required to allow the Winter Gardens to be fully restored and reopened, and to allow it to operate to its full potential.

"Theatres Trust continues to provide advice and support to MWGPT, working closely with MWGPT and its chair Professor Vanessa Toulmin to help prioritise the needs of both the building and its operation.

"Historic England and the council are also providing essential stakeholder support. Together with Theatres Trust all parties are aiming to help MWGPT grow in strength and capacity and to determine a route to allow this magnificent Grade II* listed building to be fully restored and reopened."

Theatres Trust also commented on Monday's decision to grant planning permission to the Eden Project North in Morecambe.

"Eden of the North is seen as a transformational project for Morecambe that will help promote all-year-round visitor activity and subsequently greater demand for performance and entertainment linked to the night-time economy of which the Winter Gardens will form an important part," said the report.

The Winter Gardens has been on the Theatres at Risk register since it started in 2006.

The 2022 list features 41 theatres, including 10 new additions, more than in recent years due to the impact of Covid being felt in the theatre sector and beyond.

"We’ve had a few difficult periods, a governance review, audit checks, new structures and a few battles to fight, oh and a world pandemic," said Professor Vanessa Toulmin, chair of MWGPT, earlier this week.

"So it’s an honour and a privilege to work on behalf of and with all the amazing volunteers who have been part of this journey taking the Gardens forwards.

"Keep on believing, keep on hoping and together we will make it happen."