The Athenaeum is celebrating a double milestone this month – both the Trust which runs the popular venue and its resident theatre group, the Athenaeum Masqueraders, are marking their 25th anniversaries.
Wiltshire’s oldest working theatre, the Athenaeum, has become the cultural heart of the town since a volunteer trust took over the running of the building in 2000. At the same time, the Athenaeum Masqueraders were formed from the original Athenaeum Players, and for a quarter of a century they have been bringing musical theatre to life on the Warminster stage. Their silver anniversary production is the smash-hit jukebox musical Rock of Ages, running from 22nd to 25th October at the theatre.
Run entirely by volunteers, the Athenaeum itself stages live music and entertainment, and hosts drama groups, a film society, music and dance schools and community projects including the Warminster Foodbank and Chat Cafés.
In 1997, the Grade II listed building’s future looked bleak. Then run as a West Wiltshire District Council arts centre, it was declared bankrupt, staff were laid off, and the Victorian building was left crumbling and unloved. But a band of determined volunteers stepped in, forming the Athenaeum Trust in 2000 and started the long journey to restore it.
“A lot has happened at the centre in the past 25 years with extensions, renovations, repairs and countless performances,” said Andrew Frostick, Vice Chairman of the Trust. “But perhaps the most important achievement has been keeping this much-loved theatre alive – maintained entirely by volunteers for the benefit and entertainment of the town and surrounding community.”
In preparation for its anniversary year, more than £100,000 of government grant funding has supported a major programme of improvements, including a refurbishment of dressing rooms, new windows and secondary glazing, an accessible toilet, improved insulation and a near-total LED refit of stage lighting and technical facilities. The Trust’s next focus will be on repairing the theatre’s stonework and wooden windows.
To mark its anniversary, the theatre has also broadened its programme with a host of new shows including the introduction of The Warminster Comedy Club, Unicorn Live! for younger audiences, and a lineup of regular musical tribute acts.
Alongside the theatre’s celebrations, the Athenaeum Masqueraders are also proudly marking 25 years.
“Bringing musical theatre to life since 2000, the Athenaeum Masqueraders was founded from the original Athenaeum Players,” said Kirstie Price, the group’s chairperson.
“We are a vibrant community theatre group specialising predominantly in musical theatre and open to all ages. Our diverse group of youth and adult members stages two to three productions a year, ranging from large-scale musicals to plays and cabaret performances.
“We are proud to be inclusive and accessible, welcoming both seasoned performers and newcomers with a passion for the stage. Our productions, rehearsals and workshops provide a supportive environment where people can develop skills, gain confidence and be part of a creative community.
“Our adult production this year is the smash-hit jukebox musical Rock of Ages. With a talented cast of 22 – a mix of new and returning members – we’ll be bringing big hair, big dreams and even bigger guitar riffs to the Athenaeum stage!
“Featuring iconic 80s anthems including We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Heat of the Moment and I Hate Myself for Loving You, the show is a loud, proud celebration of rock culture. With laugh-out-loud comedy, heartfelt ballads and high-energy choreography, it’s a night of non-stop entertainment for rock fans and theatre lovers alike.”
