Last week, I joined colleagues to mark the end of an era at The Hexagon Theatre and the beginning of a new one with the start of work to create a new Studio Theatre. It made me think about how Reading’s theatre is part of our collective memories.
For many of us, our first experience of live theatre would have been at The Hexagon, maybe through the ever-popular Christmas panto, a school musical performance, amateur dramatics, a live music or comedy show.
My first memory of The Hexagon was when I was a teenager at Hugh Farringdon School and Reading had a visit from Queen Elizabeth II. She came to officially open the now demolished Civic Centre and was also given a guided tour of the brand-new 1200-seat theatre. The cavalcade progressed along the Bath Road lined with cheering and waving residents and us school children. We were then bussed into the town centre and lined what is now Queen’s Walk, named after her walk from Oxford Road down to the main entrance of the new offices and theatre. I was then chosen to go into The Hexagon.
Unfortunately, I only remember the feeling of having an afternoon off from school more than what happened next. But that’s just one fond memory among many, along with enjoying many a show at The Hexagon with my family and friends.
I am not alone in having these memories. The Managing Director of Feltham Construction Ltd, the company developing the site, said his mum had reminded him that she took him to The Hexagon shortly after it opened. Now he is responsible for the Studio Theatre, another full circle.
Last week, work began at Lavender Gardens, where a temporary backstage area is being created before the original backstage area is demolished. It will make way for the 200-seat theatre.
There will be an accessible entrance via Queen’s Walk into a foyer where the booking office will be situated. It will be a rehearsal and community space when performances are not scheduled. With the transformation, there will be improved backstage facilities for performers and an upgraded technical area for crews. Together, we believe this will attract many more events and economic benefits to our town and the wider Thames Valley area.
Demolition work will take over the summer and shows will be back up and running at the end of September. Then our ever-popular panto starts at the beginning of December which this year is Beauty and the Beast. Take a look for a show for you at whatsonreading.com/hexagon/whats-on.
Cllr Liz Terry is the leader of Reading Borough Council
