South Beds District Council was replaced by Central Bedfordshire Council on April 1st 2009. Central Bedfordshire Council now provides all local government services for the geographical area formerly covered by South Beds District Council.

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Curtain raised on Grove Theatre (12/03/07)

The 780 seat theatre will open with a gala night hosted by stage and screen star Brian Blessed. The gala will include surprise guest appearances from celebrity artistes and feature excerpts from the opening season. 

The striking, modern two and three-storey complex that includes a commercial development of six bars and restaurants is the single biggest leisure development undertaken in South Bedfordshire in the last 40 years. Work on the construction of the theatre has been completed by developer, Complex Development Projects and building contractor, SDC, in the target time of 18 months. The theatre will be managed on behalf of South Bedfordshire District Council by specialist leisure operator, Leisure Connection Ltd. 

Says Executive Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Recreation, Councillor David McVicar, “We promised our residents a multi-purpose theatre and here it is; one of the most modern and best equipped theatre venues in the United Kingdom. We would like to thank all of our partners who have worked so hard to deliver this superb venue on time and within budget.  

“The opening of Grove Theatre is a major boost to the district and beyond. Not only is it of huge cultural significance for the region, it will provide important economic benefits. This is surely an historic moment in South Bedfordshire’s history of which we can all be proud.

“The council is committed to encouraging and supporting the provision of a range of high quality leisure and cultural facilities for the people of South Bedfordshire.”

In addition to productions, the theatre will deliver an extensive youth and education theatre programme and community arts groups’ usage has been facilitated by South Bedfordshire District Council within the programming policy and strategy. 

The theatre and new bars and restaurants have added to the existing Grove House Gardens, Leisure Centre and Go Bowl to create a new leisure quarter in Dunstable called Grove Park.

Landscaping and planting have been improved in Grove House Gardens, as well as the addition of a new play area and all weather football pitch as part of the development.  

Notes to editors
The district’s show stopping Grove Theatre includes:

  • 780 seats on two levels, of which 320 are retractable to create a flat floor space in the stalls increasing the capacity of the whole auditorium to 1,000 people.
  • A stunning curved auditorium with stalls, circle and box style seating areas create an intimate atmosphere for performers and audience
  • A fly tower two and a half times the height of the stage opening, with a counterweight flying system. This will allow scenery to be moved vertically high above the stage.
  • A large scene dock with easy access for trailers along with a loading area for 3 x 45ft trailers.
  • An orchestra pit with a motorised floor, enabling technicians to lower or raise the floor to create a larger stage area, additional seating or varying sizes of pit.    
  • A high specification lighting and sound rig enabling the theatre to house shows from large West End musicals to concerts and dramas.
  • Facilities for performers on three levels including principle and chorus dressing rooms, a green room and separate stage door access point with waiting area.
  • A fully equipped Function Room with state of the art audio visual equipment that can be used for conferences, meetings and receptions.

For more details go to Grove Theatre website.