Amateur dramatics group leaves Stanley Halls in protest at its poor condition
Cherry Wilson
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FAREWELL TO STANLEY HALLS: Croydon Stagers members (left to right) Dawn Lambert, Rick Baxter and Katrina Trice
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FAREWELL TO STANLEY HALLS: Croydon Stagers members (left to right) Dawn Lambert, Rick Baxter and Katrina Trice
Photo no: 25-08-~4 by On Demand Media
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FAREWELL TO STANLEY HALLS: Croydon Stagers members (left to right) Dawn Lambert, Rick Baxter and Katrina Trice
Photo no: 25-08-~4 by On Demand Media
AN AMATEUR dramatics company has called the final curtain on performing at Stanley Halls after growing "frustrated" with its substandard facilities.
Croydon Stagers has decided, after 34 years, not to use the historic venue in South Norwood for its annual old-time musical.
The group claims the lighting in the 100-year-old, Grade 2 listed building is "dangerous" and needs replacing.
Its members have also been unable to use the balcony because it has been condemned.
Life vice-president Dawn Lambert says the group is moving to a different venue – Wickham Hall, in West Wickham.
"It's been really frustrating over the years," she explained. "We decided we had had enough so we looked for another venue.
"It's a real shame we've been forced out. There is a lot of history between Croydon Stagers and Stanley Halls.
"But we decided it wasn't worth the risk if there is a dangerous balcony and lighting."
Mrs Lambert says new lighting was bought for Stanley Halls but it has been left to gather dust in the basement for two years.
The group has been told that English Heritage, a government agency, said it cannot be installed because it would damage the fabric of the building.
Members have also complained about the state of the women's changing facilities backstage, which have bubbling plaster on the walls because of a water leak.
They say the "final straw" came when they were told they were unable to sell seats on the balcony for their annual performance last year.
Mrs Lambert believes the venue, in South Norwood Hill, is in need of huge investment and says owner Croydon Council should provide the required cash.
She added: "It's only going to get worse if no money is spent on it."
A council spokeswoman said there was no funding at present to carry out repairs but that in the autumn, council bosses were hoping to address some of the building's issues, including balcony and stage works.
She added: "We would be delighted to welcome Croydon Stagers back next year but in the meantime wish them every success in Wickham Hall."
Croydon Stagers will now be performing its annual old-time musical at Wickham Hall, from Tuesday until Saturday September 4. Tickets can be bought by calling 020 8776 1064.
3 Comments
by Linda, S. Norwood
Monday, September 06 2010, 5:48PM
“I live opposite Stanley Halls and have attended many events over the years and yes the building does need work doing on it, but why has no-one else complained. Maybe it's time something was done before someone is seriously hurt or worse.”
by Paul Meoff, Purley
Thursday, September 02 2010, 8:06PM
“what a drama”
by Sharon, Croydon
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 12:56PM
“Yes Croydon Council own Stanley Halls but I personally feel that if the Heritage Trust is getting involved by slapping a grade listing on a building then some of the costs to preserve that building should be shouldered by them, especially as THEY, the trust itself, claims to be preserving English Heritage. They are a registered charity and have annual membership fee's so where does the money go? Quite often it is these Heritage Trusts that hold up vital works to buildings leaving them in a delapidated state for a number of years sometimes resulting in the building itself becoming condemned (Grants) and sadly falling down when the vital works finally do take place (Grants)”