TRUSTEES of Frome Memorial Theatre marked 100 years since the first foundation stone was laid with a special event at the popular venue.

The historic theatre, which has seen top acts, shows and much-loved pantomimes over the years, first opened in 1925 as a memorial hall in memory of those who died in World War I and is the home of the town’s annual Remembrance service.

Trustees came together last Friday (September 20) to mark the centenary event with the new commemorative stone unveiled by Lady Anne Dodd, the wife of the late comedian and singer who performed at the venue, Sir Ken Dodd.

Lady Dodd, Sarah-Jane Bungay, Jenny Boulton and Gill Barnes receiving flowers to thanks them for their support to the theatre. With them, the Mayor of Frome, councillor Andy Jones, Humphrey Barnes and Richard Lines. Picture: Richard Lines

Chair of trustees, Richard Lines, welcomed the many guests in attendance from across a wide range of local organisations.

“It is wonderful to welcome so many friends and supporters of the Memorial Theatre to celebrate this momentous occasion,” he said.

“The Memorial Hall was conceived as a memorial to those from Frome and district who fell in the Great War.

“It was constructed by many volunteers, and this is a tradition continued to this day.

“Without the many volunteers over the years, the theatre would have been demolished.

“It has survived and goes from strength to strength. We celebrate our volunteers and look forward to another 100 years of this great institution.”

Lady Dodd unveiling the new plaque to commemorate the Centenary of the laying of the Foundation Stone Picture: Richard Lines

The trust’s president, Humphrey Barnes, introduced the venue’s new theatre patron, Sarah-Jane Bungay who grew up and went to school in Frome.

She now works as a presenter and producer for BBC Points West.

Ms Bungay said: “When I was a nervous teenager waiting to perform on the Memorial Theatre’s stage, little did I realise years later I’d have the honour of being asked to be its patron.

“The performances here over the years have provided so much joy to the people of Frome and further afield.

“The theatre is truly one of the most loved of Frome residents, and I’m so proud to be its patron as we all celebrate its centenary year.”

A spokesperson for Lady Dodd said: “She was delighted and honoured to be asked to unveil the plaque commemorating the centenary of the Memorial Theatre at which Ken and she enjoyed performing on several occasions.”

Following the short ceremony, guests were given a preview of the outline plans to develop the Memorial Theatre.

The foundation stone Picture: Frome Memorial Theatre

Richard Lines outlined the ambitions to enhance accessibility within the theatre complex to provide added community space as well as improve the overall sustainability of the complex.

Future centenary-linked events include the Frome Musical Theatre Company performing ‘A Night at the Musicals’ in the theatre on October 19 and events to mark significant dates throughout the year.

In collaboration with Frome Museum, an exhibition will be open at the museum from October 15 and run until November 11.

This will highlight the building of the Memorial Hall, the cinema years, saving the theatre in the 1980’s, the role of the Operatic Society in the theatre, and the special place the theatre has in Frome as the centre of Remembrance.

The Memorial Theatre continues to be run by a team of dedicated volunteers. If you would like to find out more about the theatre, the next open day is November 9 from 10am to 1pm.