THE Redgrave Theatre, part of Clifton College, is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary.
It was in 1966 that the curtain went up for the first time at the theatre in Percival Road.
The first production staged in the theatre by Clifton College pupils was Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare.
Gemma Allan, from the theatre, said:“The Redgrave Theatre was originally simply known as the Clifton College Theatre.
“It was officially opened by Bristol-born actor Sir Michael Redgrave who had been a pupil at the college. After his death in 1985 the theatre, which was one of the first purpose-built school theatres in the country, was renamed in his honour.”
Former pupils of Clifton College have fond memories of treading the boards in a House play or a school production.
“Many have gone on to enjoy highly distinguished careers in the performing arts after their theatrical debut at Clifton College,” said Ms Allan.
Alumni include John Cleese, Simon Russell Beale CBE, Trevor Howard, Simon Shepherd, Neil Foster and the brothers Clive and David Swift.
Originally, the theatre was only used for college events but in the 1970s the decision was made for it to be hired out to local amateur dramatic groups during the holidays.
It now hosts a range of professional performers too.
Gemma Allen said: “We are in the early stages of planning a number of fund-raising initiatives to help secure the future of the Redgrave Theatre.
“The main production and centrepiece for this year will be our pantomime Dick Whittington. This will be our first fully in-house produced pantomime, enabling us to deliver a genuinely Bristol-focused production that celebrates the city and provides creative opportunities for local artists.”
• Present day Clifton College students are keeping up the tradition and quality at the Redgrave Theatre.
The upper school production of Peter Pan included more than 50 performers supported by student lighting and sound technicians, stagehands, and a live band of students and professionals.
It included newly devised ballet sequences, fight choreography, flight scenes, and reimagined musical numbers.
James Moore, director of performing arts at Clifton College, said: “Creating Peter Pan was a testament to the skill, passion, and collaborative spirit of the Clifton College performing arts community.
“As we enter a new era of bold partnerships and an expanded artistic offer, we are seeking to further establish the College as a vital contributor to Bristol’s vibrant theatre ecology. In the Redgrave Theatre’s 60th anniversary year, we are beginning to put ambitious plans in place to grow our provision and broaden what we offer. Watch this space!”