‘We’re very lucky to have three theatres’ – show fans and businesses on Colne’s upgraded venues
Three theatre venues in Colne have seen upgrades in the past year.
Three theatre venues in Colne have seen upgrades in the past year or so, using government Levelling-Up cash along with some Pendle Council funding. Businesses and theatre customers have spoken about the theatres’ influences on local life.
Colne Municipal Hall, called the ‘Muni’; Pendle Hippodrome and Colne Little Theatre have all seen investment and since reopened this year.
Performances include plays, musicals, comedy and live bands. From Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Motown and The Smiths tribute nights, to pantomime and children’s theatre, there’s a range of events on offer.
Elsewhere, Colne’s indoor market hall is currently being redeveloped. Overall, the investment aims to enhance the individual venues and develop Colne’s economy including its night-time and weekend events scene.
At Tubbs restaurant and bar, assistant manager Katie Holt said: “We’ve definitely seen a change with the Hippodrome. We do a pre-show deal with the Hippodrome, which is really good. We’ve also had a refit at Tubbs and things have been busy.
“The Hippodrome has children’s theatre activities including the Basics Junior Theatre School, which covers the Colne and Burnley area. Parents come here when the kids are doing a show. It can be really busy. There are also weekly drama activities on Saturdays. So there’s a lot going on.
“A lot of money has been spent at the Muni too. I think that was more about the building’s structure. But people come here before or after shows, saying they’re going to the Muni. We get people from Colne, Barnoldswick, Skipton and Blackburn. The theatres attract people from quite a wide area.
“I also think there’s a good independent business scene in Colne. There’s really good staff and better customer service with independents. We go that extra mile for people and get loyal customers. Generally, hospitality has been struggling a bit in recent times but I think Colne is doing pretty well.”
‘MUSICALS AND COMEDY’
Theatre customer Margaret Ellis, from Laneshaw Bridge, said: “I go the Muni and the Hippodrome quite regularly. I see quite a lot of shows. I like the musicals, things like Elvis and the Four Tops. And a bit of comedy too. I’ve seen Su Pollard here.
“The Hippodrome is a lot nicer now, a lot brighter, since the revamp was done. The Muni has had a lot of work too. I think we’re very lucky to have three theatres in Colne. It definitely adds something extra to the town. It’s good that the theatres have been invested in. They’re important to people in lots of ways.”
Linda Shepherd, also from Laneshaw Bridge, said: “Theatres are good for your social life. Going to a show gets you out, meeting your friends. Theatres are good for older people, like us, and young families too. We can meet for a coffee or lunch, or a meal before or after a show. It’s important to keep in touch with your friends, to do nice things together.”
‘THINGS ARE HAPPENING’
Natalie Craig and Alli Proud run the Blondie Brownie cafe and bakery near the Muni theatre.
Natalie, who is from Colne, said: “The Muni looks great now. It’s a landmark building and it’s been cleaned-up and invested in. We get quite a few customers who are going to a show or have been at a show. Some days, I might think ‘gosh, it’s busy’ and it turns out there’s a show on at the theatre. It varies but I think the theatres bring a lot of people into Colne.
“We were previously based in Barnoldswick but I really wanted a spot in this part of Colne. This is where things are happening – its maybe the ‘posher’ end of the main street. The blues festival is massive event in Colne, it gets really busy.
“But I also think the Colne Market Hall upgrade is important at the other end of town. There’s talk of having a food hall there when it reopens. Perhaps there are opportunities to offer a bit more in the 5pm to 7pm early evening slot in Colne? We already have a number of cafes, an Italian, an Indian and two Thai restaurants. If the new market hall offered something different, that would be great. We currently hold some ticketed events at night.”
Natalie added: “In Colne, businesses work quite well together. Also organisations like the Open Door charity are quite an integral part of Colne. It does good work with young and old people. And, to be fair, the councillors here are pretty good. They give us a heads-up on what’s happening. I know quite a few councillors including Ash Sutcliffe. He has a shop here and is very relatable. And the Colne BID (Business Improvement District) group does good work too.”
The BID scheme involves businesses in a certain zone of the town paying a levy for improvements they specifically want to support.