A community of monks is opening its doors to explain £600,000 plans to re-open a historic outdoor theatre.
The Quarry Theatre at the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield has just been given planning permission by Kirklees Council.
The theatre, which dates back to the 19th century, was abandoned in 1976 but now the monastery wants to restore it and open it up to professional companies and amateur performers alike.
The aim is to put the monastery back at the heart of the local community and an open day is planned for Saturday, April 5.
Mr Guy Laurie, the site’s general manager, said he wanted anyone interested to come along and find out more.
He wanted to hear from those keen to stage events or performances but also local people who may be worried about potential noise or disruption.
In its heyday the theatre played host to thousands of people and there were political rallies with speeches from the likes of Labour Party founder Keir Hardy and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.
It is hoped to stage 14 performances a year between May and September.
Seating made of recycled plastic will be brought in and there will be a capacity of 750.
The council is likely to insist on a seating limit of 575 in the first year.
There will be a retractable rain cover over the stage area.
Mr Laurie said the event on April 5 was an “open door” for anyone and added: “It’s for those interested in putting on performances and also for local people to explain what we are trying to do and to address any issues they may have.”
There would be “nothing too loud” and events were likely to be operatic, choral, orchestral and theatrical.
“This is a very exciting and unique project,” said Mr Laurie. “There aren’t many open-air theatres around.”
The overgrown theatre has now been cleared and work could start in September with an opening planned for next summer.
The open day event will be held at 10am in the New Refectory at the community site in Stocksbank Road.
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