The Dearne Playhouse is reopening its doors after being transformed into a modern, accessible cultural hub offering more creative opportunities to the community.
The theatre has benefitted from significant investment from the UK Government’s Towns Fund to modernise and upgrade its facilities.
The 101-year-old Playhouse, formerly the Miners’ Welfare Hall, is a cultural cornerstone of the Dearne and its restoration will ensure it continues to be a focal point for the community for generations to come.
Creative groups have already begun using the renewed facilities and a traditional pantomime, Snow White, will be staged in December.
The large-scale refurbishment is part of a £3 million project also benefitting neighbouring Welfare Park.
Work began last year with the replacement of the theatre’s roof and installation of new lighting and technical equipment.
A second phase launched in February and now completed includes:
- Transformation of the basement from a storage space into rehearsal rooms and a modern, soundproof music rehearsal studio.
- Redecoration of the auditorium, bar and public areas, including sensitive repainting of the Playhouse’s distinctive gold detailing.
- Installation of a new stage floor and updates to dressing rooms and backstage areas.
- Fitting of energy-efficient LED lighting and a new boiler to reduce running costs.
- CCTV funded by the Office of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner for enhanced security and monitoring by South Yorkshire Police.
- Restoration of stonework by professional masons to preserve the building’s historic character.
- Installation of a new basement entrance and walkway to ensure the facility is fully accessible.
The Playhouse works, which took seven months to complete, have been carried out by O&P Construction and overseen by Barnsley Council.
Access roads in neighbouring Welfare Park are being resurfaced, pathways restored and new public artwork installed.
Extra car parking has been added, and there are plans for 72 more spaces next to the site, subject to planning approval.
The Playhouse restoration is part of the Goldthorpe Town Deal. This is a package of projects in the Dearne Valley funded by £23.1 million of investment from the UK Government’s Towns Fund.
Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, said: “The completion of this major refurbishment is a significant milestone in preserving the heritage of Dearne Playhouse while creating new opportunities for community engagement.
“It’s wonderful to see how the investment has rejuvenated this historic venue and provided an amazing space for everyone to come together.
“I am delighted that the works for this fabulous project were undertaken by local contractors, providing jobs for local people.”
Julie Medlam, manager of the Dearne Playhouse, said: “We are thrilled with these works and the possibilities they open up for future community involvement.
“The new facilities will greatly benefit local artists, musicians and theatre groups, making the Playhouse even more vibrant and inclusive.
“I look forward to welcoming everyone back to see it for themselves. We can’t wait to raise the curtain on a new era for our much-loved theatre.”
Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “The Playhouse is a jewel in Goldthorpe’s crown and it’s inspiring to see it looking better than ever.
“This project shows how investing in our cultural spaces can really boost community spirit and engagement.
“We can’t wait to see the Dearne Playhouse thrive as a centre for creativity and community gatherings.”
The works have already created fresh cultural opportunities: Barnsley Youth Choir East recently rehearsed at the Playhouse and a new theatre company, Dearne Playhouse Musical Theatre Company, will have their HQ in the basement.
Barnsley Youth Theatre are also launching a branch at the playhouse to make the most of the interest in acting among young people in the area.
