Our Mission

Novello Theatre Project

The Novello Theatre is currently a hugely underutilised asset. Leased up until June 2023 by RBWM to Redroofs Theatre School, Maidenhead, it was barely used or maintained. It was recently described as “forlorn” and “sad and neglected” in a local history FB group.

Our Proposal

We would seek to restore the Novello Theatre, (formally, The Picture House) as a venue to be used for the benefit of the local community of Sunninghill. Linking The Novello and Cordes Hall under one charitable umbrella, creating a community hub/venue in Sunninghill. Offering a vibrant and varied programme of live performance, cinema, clubs, classes, and other community services.

Background

Located on Sunninghill High Street adjacent to the Cordes Hall, The Picture House was built for the community in 1923 by Ranee Margaret of Sarawack. A lady who loved cinema and used to play the piano there during the silent movies! The cinema thrived for many years and is still remembered with great affection by many locals. Unfortunately, in the late 80’s the cinema was no longer a viable business and we believe that’s when the building was taken on by RBWM.

Redroofs Theatre School, located in Maidenhead, held the lease up until June 2023. Redroofs used the building twice a year for student shows. A number of local individuals and groups including the Cordes Hall Management Committee approached Redroofs about renting/using the building for cinema and performance, but were advised that it was not possible. Post regularly piles up in the foyer and the building appears largely unused and in some disrepair.

The Cordes Hall, built in the early 1900’s, is situated next to the Novello. The hall is held in Trust by the Vicar of St Michael and All Angels, Sunninghill and run by a management committee made up of representatives from the local community. Over the past few years we have been working on an extensive programme to update and improve the facilities at the hall, making it a great venue for the community to enjoy. Funds for the improvements have come from grants from local trusts, RBWM and fundraising events at the hall. Volunteers from the management committee also run a monthly pop up cinema and meal and movie nights to raise funds for the hall and other local charities. The hall is home to the Quince Players who put on 3 productions each year and FASBAT children’s theatre group. In addition, local schools and theatre groups use the hall for productions. October sees the arrival of Cards For Good Causes, there are gift fairs, carpet sales, exercise classes and private parties. All in all, it’s a well used community facility. We would love to see this approach extended to the Novello.

How would we use the Novello/Cordes

● Regular Cinema - building on the success of the Cordes Hall Pop Up

● Venue for live performance for both existing Cordes users and other local groups

● To run comedy nights, concerts and other events

● Music/Art and Cinema festivals

● Local school productions, to include Redroofs

● The foyer of the Novelllo, is currently a great space for a cafe/bar whilst events are running. This space could be open during the day and used as an information hub for the village

● Linking up with local business (offers/discounts) and events such as the street fair

Funding the project

Our project is ambitious and will require significant funding to have any chance of success. We anticipate that the funding needs of the project will be split into 3 key streams:

  1. Initial funding for purchasing the space

  2. Costs associated with the renovation of the building

  3. Ongoing costs relating to the running and maintenance of the space

Parts 1 and 2 will need to be raised through community grants and, most likely, public donations. We will share more information on how you can donate in due course.

Part 3 is less of an initial concern as we plan to utilise and manage the space in a similar fashion to the Cordes Hall, which has been run by volunteers and is financially self-sufficient due to the high demand for rentals and events.

Support for the project

A number of groups have expressed enthusiasm around supporting the project including:

  • Cordes Hall Trustees and Management Committee

  • Local businesses

  • Trusts - such as the Hope Trust

  • Local schools

  • Theatre groups - Spotlights and Quince Players

  • A number of local people who have expressed an interest in getting involved.

  • St Michael and All Angels Church

  • Our local Parish and Borough Councilors