R.A.G. – the REDGRAVE ACTION GROUP

These are the key members of the Group. (Details at foot of page.)

The aims of the group are:-

URGENTLY to prevent the demolition of the REDGRAVE

to restore professional theatre to Farnham

to establish the REDGRAVE as the most suitable venue in which that can happen

to seek funding for the restoration of the building

to enlist the support in time, skills, energy, imagination and money of all those who passionately believe cultural vandalism must be prevented and live theatre should thrive and flourish in Farnham

The current situation is that. .

Waverley Borough Council owns the site containing the REDGRAVE Theatre within the East Street development area of Farnham.

Developers Crest Nicholson Sainsbury have submitted a plan for the East Street site, in compliance with the WBC development brief, which omits the REDGRAVE theatre. A town square occupies the theatre site.

WBC expects to approve the CNS plans in 2004 - hence the URGENCY - which will give the go-ahead for the outline planning application. 

The REDGRAVE theatre is at present Grade 2 listed as curtilage of Brightwell House to which it is attached - curtilage means belonging to.

The house had its listed status strengthened before the development brief was issued and will not be demolished. WBC has promised a review of a "standalone theatre for Waverley" in the next council year. This review was deferred without explanation - typical Waverley - from November 2003 to after April 2004. It is widely acknowledged NFRC productions have revealed and fostered the demand for professional theatre in Farnham - our 1999 petition of 7200 signatures is an example of public reaction. 

Waverley has, again typically, consistently refused to release information about the conditional contract it has signed with CNS and this is now being challenged by residents through the local government ombudsman. The protest group mounting this challenge is East Street Action and four members of RAG are also members of ESA. We support their action and they support ours.  

Patrick Sandford, the last artistic director of the REDGRAVE when it flourished as a repertory theatre, recently wrote of the theatre:-

'This is an auditorium as far as I know unique in the country. There is no other theatre with an auditorium of such intimacy that has such a large stage area. The combination is not only thrilling for an audience but also perfect for a great variety of theatrical performances. It also suits extremely well both dance and music.

The acoustics of the space are impeccable - there is not a dead space in the house. The curved shape of the seating arrangement gives a good view from every seat. The whole reminds one instantly of the perfection of a small Greek or Roman amphitheatre.'

See upper floor plan (right)

RAG will make full use of his letter in the action it is now taking, as it will of the Redgrave family archive in the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden, and of the good offices of the Theatres Trust.

To prevent the demolition                                                                                                            

RAG action plans are as follows:

• It is raising objections with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which is responsible for the listing status of historic and special buildings. Click to read our letter

• It is working to gain national and international support for the campaign. The Save London Theatres Group is already on board.

• It is preparing a business plan to accompany objections to show how the REDGRAVE could be funded, to restore it, use it and maintain it into the future.

• It is preparing objections to the pending planning applications which do not preserve the REDGRAVE Theatre.

David Wylde (Chairman, Director NFRC and Lord High Everything Else) We have over a hundred volunteers and many have become personal friends. It's all about community - the community of NFRC working for the community of Farnham.
Hannah Williams (Publicity Coordinator) Crest Nicholson Sainsbury's have been very quick to say that the William Cobbett clock will be part of the East Street Development.

Anne Cooper My heart has always been in theatre. I enjoy campaigning - on the streets so many people come up to you and ask what they can do, it's amazing - and finding and making props. Even a teaspoon can have a crucial role in a play!
Rose Malyon The Redgrave gave me my first chance. I worked there one summer and it helped me get into Goldsmiths. I believe whole-heartedly in producing theatre and being part of a team that made things happen from beginning to end.

Crest Nicholson Sainsbury's have been very quick to say that the William Cobbett clock will be part of the East Street Development. They should also be preparing the plaque that says:

How tragic - how shameful!     This must not be allowed to happen.