Shared description
Dorking Halls
In 1926, a brand new hall was built.
The design, by the architect Mr Meredith, was comprised of three different-sized halls to make the venue as versatile as possible. The Halls were opened in 1931.
The main auditorium could originally seat 900 people.
The original stage, with a wooden stage extension, could accommodate 300 singers plus a full orchestra.
The new venue famously allowed Ralph Vaughan Williams to stage Bach's dazzling St Matthew Passion in 1931.
During WWII the halls became run down and were sold to the council.
By 1946, lots of activities were happening every day, from flower shows to scouts, the weekly Masons meeting and dance evenings. Due to its success, the council decided to start bringing in professional, higher-profile acts and productions.
The council carried out a large-scale refurbishment from 1994 - 1997, creating the fully equipped entertainment and conference complex.
Since the late 90s the Halls has seen more subtle renovations and changes to ensure it remains a popular venue for live theatre and music as well as a cinema.
At the beginning of 2011 digital technology and a 3D cinema were installed.
The design, by the architect Mr Meredith, was comprised of three different-sized halls to make the venue as versatile as possible. The Halls were opened in 1931.
The main auditorium could originally seat 900 people.
The original stage, with a wooden stage extension, could accommodate 300 singers plus a full orchestra.
The new venue famously allowed Ralph Vaughan Williams to stage Bach's dazzling St Matthew Passion in 1931.
During WWII the halls became run down and were sold to the council.
By 1946, lots of activities were happening every day, from flower shows to scouts, the weekly Masons meeting and dance evenings. Due to its success, the council decided to start bringing in professional, higher-profile acts and productions.
The council carried out a large-scale refurbishment from 1994 - 1997, creating the fully equipped entertainment and conference complex.
Since the late 90s the Halls has seen more subtle renovations and changes to ensure it remains a popular venue for live theatre and music as well as a cinema.
At the beginning of 2011 digital technology and a 3D cinema were installed.
by N Chadwick
Created: Wed, 16 Mar 2016, Updated: Fri, 15 Apr 2016
3 images use this description: (all images taken in 2016)
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