Tivoli Theatre

The Tivoli Theatre stands in Wimborne Minster, a small town in Dorset. Built in 1936, it was designed as both a theatre and cinema, featuring distinctive Art Deco details. Chrome and Bakelite door handles survive from its opening year. The building once faced demolition in 1979 when a road scheme was proposed. After the plan was dropped, the theatre closed in 1980 and fell into disrepair. Campaigners fought for years to save the building. Volunteers restored it during 1993 and reopened it that November. Since then it has become a popular live music venue. Acts such as The Searchers, Wishbone Ash and Acker Bilk have performed on its stage. Larry Garner recorded a live album there in 2009. Comedians including Lee Evans, Al Murray and Eddie Izzard have also appeared. Today the theatre hosts the Wimborne Musical Theatre and Wimborne Drama. Each year they stage three productions. The auditorium retains its original character while hosting modern performances. The building remains a focal point for local arts. Its restoration shows how community effort can revive a historic place.