Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre

Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre stands in Spain Lane, Boston, Lincolnshire, on the site of a mediaeval Dominican friary. The surviving building was once the friary’s refectory, a long hall running east to west. It was heavily restored in 1963, when an eastern gable and casement windows were added. The interior still holds a 17th-century staircase, though not in its original place. Pevsner calls the space a 90-foot Friars Hall. After the monasteries were dissolved, stone from the friary helped repair sea walls. The friary dates from the 13th century, with a written record from 1288 noting its rebuilding after a fire. By 1300 it housed 29 friars. The building became a theatre in 1965. Locals say a ghostly friar haunts the stage, hiding sharp objects under the boards. The centre is run entirely by volunteers, with one paid technician. A 230-seat auditorium, foyer gallery, revue bar and art studio make up the space. Visitors find a busy programme of performances, workshops and classes. The art studio offers monthly exhibitions by local artists. Groups such as the Boston Playgoers and BOS Musical Theatre rehearse here. A Theatre Academy trains children from four to nineteen. Rooms are available for hire, and community groups meet regularly. Stump Radio once broadcast from the building before becoming Endeavour FM.