Century Theatre - The First Mobile Theatre is under threat of closure

The Century Theatre is thought to be the only solid structure, fully equipped, mobile theatre in the world. The dream of John Ridley, an engineer, was turned into reality in a Hinckley yard between 1948 and 1952 .

Converted from wartime military trailers and tractors, the theatre travelled in convoy of 32 vehicles to provide quality theatre around the country for 23 years.  The convoy would often travel at no more than 8 miles an hour.

Many famous names are associated with the theatre including Laurence Olivier, Agatha Christie, Enid Blyton, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Tom Courtenay, Derek Fowlds and Eileen Derbyshire.

Now permanently based at the Snibston, primarily as an historical artefact, it continues to present quality touring theatre, music, comedy and educational activities for the community.

However Leicester County Council in an attempt to save money is looking to close the venue down as it is sits in a park that they want to stop funding.

If you think that this would be a tragic loss there is a petition that you can sign:

http://politics.leics.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=33&RPID...

You do have to register to sign it but that is easy enough. Please pass this information on as there is a real danger that this theatre could just slip away and a really important part of Theatre History would be lost.

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