The History of Campus West Theatre

Campus West Arts and Conference Centre, Welwyn Garden City, was opened on 8 December 1973 by Dame Flora Robson, after which a concert was given in the theatre by the band of the Scots Guards and a sixty-voice choir. The complex also included a large exhibition hall, now Rollercity and a banqueting hall, currently an up-to-the minute conference facility.

Comprised of five main blocks, which include a bulky central tower, the red brick-clad exterior is relieved by bands of glazing and white painted concrete mullions. The late 1980’s additions, in particular the ‘new’ main entrance, complete with its own carriage drive,’ are mainly of glass and blue steel work. This foyer space contains the attractive box office, entrance to Rollercity and more recent ‘space-age’ glass lift to first floor level and Campus West Theatre (CWT). With its sweeping curved staircase and lofty ceiling this space succeeds in obtaining and art deco feel.

The theatre was originally reached by an entrance shared with the library, with a strikingly ‘modernist’ stairway, with white walls and a commemorative plaque to the opening of the building. The minimalist lines of this space with its lofty ceiling and low retaining wall with dark wood rail at the top are quite remarkable. There are now displays of several huge quilts by a local artist.

On entering the huge theatre bar, coffee shop and New Maynard Gallery on the first floor, the entire area is lined with work by local artists. There is a restored advertisement board from the former Embassy cinema of red and yellow with gold ribs and shallow black spaces for film ‘stills.’

After the demise of the town’s cinema in 1982, CWT became the only venue for film exhibition. A film programme had always formed part of the schedule as two 35mm and a 16mm film projector had been installed in the projection box. Two projectors were employed for each screening in order to preserve each reel by changeover means as many British Film Institute films were, and still are, shown. A long-play ‘tower’ system was added on 13 May 1994 for longer and ‘first run’ films. The two 35mm projectors gave excellent service, but by 2002 the sound was still mono and funds allowed for a complete upgrade.

Between 25 November and 11 December 2002 a brand new pair of Cinemeccanica Victoria 5 series projectors and a CP55 Dolby processor were installed, without the cinema closing. The old machines were saved, and one is on display in the CWT inner foyer along with a Super Simplex 35mm projector from a cinema in Hatfield. The new machines allow for all the cinema presentation capabilities as before with an even sharper and brighter picture and superb surround sound.

On entering the double doors to the inner foyer visitors can see some excellent 70’s shapes; painted white the coffers, which form the ceiling and support the projection box are the best of their type – the mould of which could only be used once.

The auditorium is accessed by left and right sloping passages, containing gold-framed poster quads, giving further height to the stadium design of the 326 seats of blue material affording good legroom. The walls are midnight blue and gently bathed during intervals by effect lighting. The house curtains are deep red and flooded by tab warmers. There is a huge lighting grid, which extends over the seating area. Proper use of tabs and non-sync are always employed during film presentations, which have included The Madness of King George, shown in the presence of Sir Nigel Hawthorn, after which some of the film’s costumes were auctioned for charity. Many artists have appeared here including Arthur Askey, Tommy Trinder, Kenneth Williams and Paul Daniels.

There are five, recently refurbished, dressing rooms, and a large stage with excellent wing space and full flying facilities. Local theatre and dance groups use a rehearsal space, below ground, known as the Sheridan Studio.

Over the past few years the building has been comprehensively refurbished and with continuing good audiences and by adapting to new needs, the future of Campus West Theatre seems assured for many years to come.

Steve Baker MBKS (2007)