Sir Kenneth Branagh backs our campaign!
We’re delighted and grateful to share Kenneth Branagh’s support for our efforts to save a historical theatre venue from permanent closure and likely demolition.
The Novello Picture House, first gifted to the Sunninghill community in the 1920s and now under the ownership of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) council, has been lying dormant after a long-term lease with a Maidenhead drama group expired. Rather than see this much-loved theatre close its doors for good, locals have overwhelmingly backed the campaign to bring the theatre back into the community’s hands and operate it as a joint venture with existing village venue, the Cordes Hall.
We have now taken a significant leap forward with Sir Kenneth Branagh, having been briefed about the campaign, now offering his support and expert advice on how the venue could be put to best use in the future.
Commenting on progress to date, the Berkshire resident said:
“I’m so impressed by the tremendous response from the community in and around Sunninghill about the future of the Novello Picture House. I share their interest in the huge potential for this historic theatre venue. And I am also very appreciative and grateful to the council for its speedy engagement with the issue.
So much valuable work is being done by those involved with the campaign, and I enthusiastically endorse the tireless efforts of all concerned. The great work already being done at the Cordes Hall can be beautifully complimented by the right vision for the lost gem next door.
I am hopeful that the upcoming conversations between all the interested parties, can produce a marvellous result for a community that has clearly demonstrated enthusiasm for a great local asset.”
The campaign is at a pivotal moment as RBWM reviews potential next steps.
