Frome Memorial Theatre commemorates historic milestone

Frome Memorial Theatre reached a remarkable landmark last Friday, as it marked the centenary of the laying of its foundation stone. 

100 years ago, the Marquess of Bath set the cornerstone for what was then called the Memorial Hall, which was built as a tribute to those from Frome and the surrounding district who lost their lives in the Great War. 

At a special celebration evening, a new commemorative stone was unveiled by Lady Anne Dodd, the widow of comedy legend Sir Ken Dodd who appeared at the theatre eight times to sell-out audiences during his illustrious career.  

Lady Dodd expressed her honour in being part of the event, recalling fond memories of accompanying her late husband to the theatre. 

Chair of trustees, Richard Lines, welcomed guests in attendance from across a wide range of local organisations. 

“It is wonderful to welcome so many friends and supporters of the Memorial Theatre to celebrate this momentous occasion,” he said. 

“The Memorial Hall was conceived as a memorial to those from Frome and district who fell in the Great War. It was constructed by many volunteers, and this is a tradition continued to this day. Without the many volunteers over the years, the theatre would have been demolished. It has survived and goes from strength to strength. Today we celebrate our volunteers and look forward to another 100 years of this great institution.” 

The Trust’s president, Humphrey Barnes, was delighted to introduce the theatre’s new patron, Sarah-Jane Bungay who grew up and went to school in Frome and is now a presenter and producer for BBC Points West. Sarah-Jane has also tread the boards of Frome’s Memorial Theatre. 

She said, “When I was a nervous teenager waiting to perform on the Memorial Theatre’s stage, little did I realise years later I’d have the honour of being asked to be its patron. 

“The performances here over the years have provided so much joy to the people of Frome and further afield. The theatre is truly one of the most loved of Frome’s institutions – and I’m so proud to be its patron as we all celebrate its centenary year.” 

Richard Aspray, vice-chair of trustees and chairman of the Frome Branch of the Royal British Legion talked about the strong links the Memorial Theatre retains with Remembrance here in Frome. 

Following the short ceremony, guests were given a preview of outline plans to develop the Memorial Theatre.  

Richard Lines outlined its ambition to enhance accessibility within the theatre complex to provide added community space as well as improve the overall sustainability of the complex.  

Future centenary-linked events include the Frome Musical Theatre Company (FMTC) performing ‘A Night at the Musicals’ in the theatre on Saturday 19th October and events to mark significant dates throughout the year. 

In collaboration with Frome Museum, an exhibition will be open at the museum from 15th October and run until the 11th of November. This will highlight the building of the Memorial Hall, the ‘Cinema years’, the campaign to save the theatre in the 1980s, the role of the Operatic Society in the theatre and the special place the theatre has in Frome as the centre of Remembrance. 

“The Memorial Theatre continues to be run by a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers,” added Richard Lines. “If you would like to find out more about our theatre, our next open day is on Saturday 9th November from 10am to 1pm.” 

Pictured: Trust president Humphrey Barnes; Lady Dodd; new theatre patron Sarah-Jane Bungay; and Chair of Trustees, Richard Lines