The history of Summerseat Players goes back to early 1968, when a group of amateur theatre enthusiasts got together to form a new dramatic society. Initially, the group had no funds, no equipment, and no permanent home - in fact nothing but enthusiasm, theatrical experience, and determination to build the society into one of the leading amateur drama groups in the district.
The group then found St Wilfred's, a small church hall in Waterside Road, Summerseat, badly in need of repair. In return, the Church had found a group of people willing to assist with essential maintenance. The Players had an eye to the future and obtained first option to purchase at such time should the Church Commissioners decide to sell the property. A wise move, for only four years later it came on the market for £3000 - which was a small fortune in 1972. Through hard work and fundraising efforts the necessary amount was raised, and The Summerseat Players then were the proud owners of a comfortable little theatre seating (eventually) 146, and presenting 5 or 6 shows a year.
The building was developed and maintained, and when the Mission Church adjoining it became available the membership purchased that space, and added a foyer and kitchen area as well as a dressing room to the theatre, which were unheard of luxuries until that time.
The Society continued to build on its successes, and poured all of its resources into the maintenance and improvement of the two buildings, along with building a cash reserve for the future, as they knew the lives of the wooden structures were limited.
In 1990, “Buskers Showbar and Snooker Hall” in Ramsbottom (formerly “The Royal Cinema”) was purchased by the Society, and the Theatre Royal Ramsbottom was created, with the help of the sale of the old theatre for building land, loans from members, patrons, and others interested in live theatre, as well as an energetic general “appeal” including the raffling of a new car!
A company limited by guarantee was formed and accepted as a registered charity, and the new building was acquired in the Company / Charity name. The final show at our old home took place in May 1991, and we opened at our new home in Ramsbottom in September 1991 with the aptly named “Stepping Out”.
All of the work to convert the building into a theatre (including creating the stage, sound & lighting facilities, proscenium, and raked auditorium) was carried out by our members & supporters, with no support from grant-making bodies, local authorities, or government. The old cinema projection room was converted into a flat and was initially rented out to provide an additional income stream.
In 1993, the Foundation for Sports & Arts assisted in the expansion of the theatre facilities to create dressing room and workshop space. In more recent years a stage “revolve” has been installed, as has air conditioning in the auditorium. Lighting & Sound are fully computerised.
Since opening in 1991, a solid following has been developed and main stage plays are now performed over an extended run of 8 nights, including a “Charity” performance, with all proceeds going to the nominated Charity.
2009 saw the complete redevelopment of the theatre building to create an upper floor and Studio, and bringing the ground floor public areas up to date, whilst improving access for all. The whole project cost about £400,000 and we were successful in obtaining Arts Council Lottery funding to the extent of £25,000 towards the costs. Donations from local businesses and individuals were made. We subsequently succeeded in repaying the bank loan we took out for the remainder.
In 2018 we celebrated our 50th anniversary with a Gala celebration and a publication that looked back over our last 50 years.
2022 saw the Studio refurbished for a new look, with sprung stage, new seating, a new lighting desk, and new backdrop curtains. The space was renamed the Geoffrey Sword Studio, in honour of Society President and founding member, Geoff Sword. In 2023, Geoff (who had also been instrumental in creating the theatre on Smithy Street following the move from Summerseat) went on to receive British Empire Medal (BEM) as part of the King’s annual Birthday Honours for services to drama and to the community in Greater Manchester and East Lancashire.
In 2024, we installed a stair lift to enable access to the Studio space for those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility.
The summer of 2024 will see a refurbishment of our bar and lounge area and new logo for our Theatre and each of the groups that are part of it. We continue to look to the future and make provisions for the enjoyment, entertainment and involvement of future generations.