A PACKED house enjoyed another successful Malvern Civic Society talk.

The evening on February 9 at the Eden Centre focused on Sir Barry Jackson and the Malvern Festival.

It was preceded by an introduction to a small local charity, the Malvern Link Dementia Meeting Centre.

Its leader Es Hoyle explained how it works with more information available at www.malverndementia.org.

The main speaker James Kelly fascinatingly spoke about the 1930s Malvern Festival.

It was the idea of Sir Jackson, a Malvern resident, who worked with Malvern Theatre lessee Roy Limbert.

The first two festivals were mainly Bernard Shaw plays then a run of English drama followed by a mixed programme.

After Jackson ended his involvement in 1937, Limbert put on more modern plays.

The festival also included cinema, talks and evening entertainment.

Visitors came to Malvern as ‘pilgrims’ seeking a high level of theatre.

In 1939 it came to an end with the war.

Today’s Malvern theatre is in a similar position, having to meet costs without finance from rich backers.

Learning from the 1930s festival, two things stand out.

The theatre must make money and seek financial support as well.

It should maintain quality productions as well as musicals and tribute bands.

Local authority contributions have dropped with finances under strain.

Our theatre now proposes new ways forward and the society should support it to bring visitors and income to the town and keep jobs for local people. Live theatre is vital for culture and lifelong learning.

Vice-chair Michael Pritchard thanked James and confirmed the next talk at the Eden Centre is on Friday, March 8 on The Rise and Fall of Dr Gully by Colin Fenn.