The embryo Bromyard & District Drama Group first took to the Public Hall stage in May 1950 with three one-act plays and also a mime that was presented by the Grammer School. Play readings were often held in the Hop Pole Hotel or in members homes, but there was always the dream that one day the drama group would own its own theatre.

The opportunity presented itself to buy the Royal British Legion Hall at 45 Old Road for Ł6,600 and so the task began to turn the old corrugated iron building that had been constructed in 1919 into a theatre. As the labour force was all volunteers it was three years and three months after the purchase that the Conquest Theatre at its new address opened the doors for the first time to an audience.

The floor of the "Old Tin Hut" was of maple wood from an old gymnasium. The stage was made of timber salvaged from the old Haven Cinema at Stourport (now a supermarket). At the time of removing these timbers, underneath the old stage was found an old hessian bag, inside were what appeared to be a large quantity of green velvet material. On being hauled back to the Old Road site the amount material turned out to be very large and it was found out later that it had been the pelmet curtain of the old Gaumont Cinema in Worcester. It was shortened and became the main drapes at the conquest, and all the other windows too!

Whilst at the Haven Cinema in Stourport, it was learnt that the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham was buying their seats. The Alex's seats were going to the Regal Cinema in Tenbury, and therefore those at Tenbury were for sale. Three hundred seats were purchased although only 110 were needed, 102 for the Conquest and 8 spares.

The seat saga continues though. After selling the surplus seats, the remainder needed to be recovered. Material was sought, and through a contact in the garage trade some plush velvet material was found and although it had been sitting on a shelf for some time, it was perfect. This was then sent to an upholsterer in Worcester where the seats were given their new covering. When the time came for the seats to be re-assembled the only way to do so was in the auditorium. This being done whilst final rehearsals were taking place on stage for the opening play "Wanted One Body. The actors had to cope with drilling and hammering, along with the occasional dash from the auditorium to the stage, as those putting the seats together were required to perform their part.

In the new building the same seats were used, this time being sent to a professional seating company for refurbishment and recovering again. It was at this time that it was learnt that some of the seats were made in 1932 and the refurbishing had to then try and match a similar style of frame. This was done and when the team of workers employed by the company arrived they offered to work thought the night to put all the seats in, and this they duly did. They worked from 4 p.m. without a break until 5 a.m. Sleeping for two hours, then starting to work again until completing the job around 2 p.m.

When completed the Old Road theatre had 102 seats with one large dressing room, the stage measured 16' x 12', it had a minute entrance foyer and a small bar and kitchen area. But it worked and for 13 happy years proved that theatre was a viable proposition for Bromyard, despite not being able to use it during the summer months as it became too hot inside!

At the end of its life, the roof was giving cause for concern, once having to be jacked up hydraulically whilst strengthening pieces of metal were inserted. The roof had also started to leak and an ingenious internal guttering system was devised so that the very final months of the building could be utilised with the audience remaining dry and unaware that just a few feet above their heads, over certain seats, it was very wet indeed!

Eventually, the very serious condition was all too evident, the group faced a stark choice, either to try and repair "The Tin hut", rebuild on the existing site, which could have meant a much smaller theatre or try for a purpose built building on a new site. The final option was chosen.

An open day was held some six months before the opening of the new theatre. Here was a bare shell, no fixture or fittings of any sort. No one new how many people would turn up, but one bright chilly Sunday nearly 250 did!

The Conquest Theatre in it's present form was opened on 10th December 1991. Today the theatre continues to evolve and grow due to the dedication of around 80 volunteers and with very little public funding. Bromyard a small country town has it's own theatre, a feat that many larger towns have not been able to do and particularly during a time when many theatres are being closed down.

"Why the Conquest?" is still the most commonly asked question. To achieve the facility that is in place today is indeed a tribute to the Friends, Members and Supporters of the Theatre who conquered every obstacle presented. This magnificent achievement meant physical labour, raising the funds and total commitment by all concerned from the idea of the "Old Tin Hut" to the superb Conquest Theatre as it is seen today.

The Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard, Herefordshire HR7 4LL
Tel: 01885 488575. email conquest@conquest-theatre.co.uk
Registered Charity No.511000

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