Maidenhead & Windsor

It's curtain up for Maidenhead's new-look Desborough Suite and from next week local audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy the new performance season in the refreshed surroundings.

Maidenhead Operatic Society production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Princess Ida, opening on Tuesday November 22, starts the Desborough's busy bookings programme following its four-month closure for improvements and it also marks the start of a busy winter season of family entertainment. Panto time starts on Wednesday December 14 with Maidenhead Drama Guild's Snow White which runs until Sunday December 18. Before then there is the Thames Valley Chorus Charity Concert, in aid of the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust (TVAC), on December 3.

The Desborough design brief was agreed after extensive and on-going consultation with many of the performance and community groups who regularly use the venue and it was a key element in the overall refurbishment of the Maidenhead Town Hall. A number of meetings were held for users whose overall feedback was positive and in support of Maidenhead council's plans.

The improvements include:

* redecoration and replacement of carpets and curtains
* upgrade to the sound and lighting systems
* access from the Town Hall's new reception area
* modern kitchen facilities
* new wiring in the main hall
* improved emergency lighting.

Maidenhead Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for the Town Hall project, said the reopening of the Desborough Suite was a proud day for Maidenhead people, who are strong and faithful supporters of the many talented performers treading the boards in quality productions throughout the year.

"It was very important for the council to actively seek the views of the users to make sure the Desborough plans would cater for their needs," Cllr Howes said. "I am delighted that, thanks to their involvement and enthusiasm, we have given the venue a new lease of life. From being rather tired and out of date it's now modern, well-equipped and accessible suite with facilities to cater for the needs of the widest possible range of community and performance groups.

"This is also good news for Maidenhead town centre. The Desborough is an important element in our determination to boost the town's family friendly reputation in the evenings as well as during the day. The Desborough Suite is right in the heart of Maidenhead and, with the continued support of our user groups, we are looking forward to a new and exciting future of performances that will attract even more people into the town centre."

Paul Seddon, chairman of Maidenhead Operatic Society said they were looking forward to performing Princess Ida next week.

He explained: "In 1962 this was the first show that we performed in the brand new Maidenhead Town Hall. The audience then enjoyed a show that's full of comedy and good humour coupled with some of Sullivan's most attractive music. It's fitting that, 43 years on, we should produce this show to welcome in the refurbished facilities at the Town Hall's Desborough Suite and we trust our audience next week will have a good time."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 17-Nov-2005