FROM showcasing more than 50 productions to a disaster fire temporarily closing the building, Shaftesbury Arts Centre has been part of the town for more than 60 years.

Despite being closed during the Covid-19 crisis, Shaftesbury resident Anya Noakes has been busy uncovering the truths and treasures of the site, which in present day offers a mixture of performances, classes, artwork and more.

“I’ve spent the last 14 or 15 years in Shaftesbury and I’ve always been intrigued by the arts centre, but a lot of people don’t know it’s there,” Anya said.

“Now because of coronavirus I wanted to help the centre and learn the fascinating history that people do not know about.”

Anya told the Journal the journey began in 1949 when the Shaftesbury and District Arts Club was formed, and after purchasing and converting Upper Market Hall on Bell Street, supported by volunteers and community donations, Shaftesbury Arts Centre opened in 1957.

Originally called The Old Market Playhouse, the venue had a grand opening with the performance of ‘The Sleeping Monk’, with eight sold out performances, and proceeds went to the restoration fund of St Peter’s Church.

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This new site became home to a mixture of shows, projects and societies including a drama group, camera group and art group.

Anya added: “After the war there was such an appetite for movies and theatre.

“There were two cinemas in the town centre, The Palace Picture House and then the Savoy cinema.

“The arts council began to arrange the occasional concert and touring show in [Shaftesbury] Town Hall and elsewhere around town, but they needed this own space.”

Anya described the post-war arts and cultural scene as “thriving”.

“What I loved about this incredible history, is that everyone helped build the centre to get to this point. It was a real community effort and everyone got involved,” she added.

“Just as it was really underway and planning permission was put in [for further developments], there was the fire.”

In the early hours on June 24, 1965, a fire struck in the next door premises which spread to the centre.

The theatre roof was destroyed, in addition to the control room, the wardrobe and all the theatre seats.

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In 1967, following two years of rebuilding and using temporary venues for productions, the arts centre was able to reopen, with an evening concert presented by the Wessex Sinfonia.

Anya said: “The place was completely destroyed, which took two years to rebuild.

“Now there is a burnt beam left to remind people of the fire and the Phoenix Room was later created, not only as a reminder but to represent the centre rising from the ashes.”

By 1981 a full theatre license was issued, and with the demolishing of the Savoy cinema Shaftesbury Arts Centre became the only home of a big screen.

Entering the 21st century, the centre went through a series of front house improvements, refurbishments and extensions - more land was gained in 1995, asbestos was removed in 2004, and the Rutter Room and Proctor Room came to life in 2009.

In 2007 the adjacent building was bought, becoming the centre’s charity shop which raised around £52,000. This is now the art gallery.

Last year the dance studio came to fruition, and the centre aired its first live stream performance.

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Anya said: “Covid-19 has shown how important the arts are, during this time children can draw, sing, dance - it’s this need and chance to be artistic and creative.

“Nothing beats being with people watching a show or play, but I hope this time without the centre has shown people how much there actually was on offer.

“The centre has an unassuming little entrance containing lots of rooms, and now it does everything from yoga to dance to life drawing lessons.”