TWO Winchester charities are set to expand after drawing up an agreement. St John’s, which runs almshouses and a care home in the city, will now forge ahead with its plans to maximise potential housing for elderly locals. The charity had also proposed for many years to develop additional almshouses on Chesil Street. But it has instead sold some of the land to Winchester Dramatic Society (WDS), which looks to extend Chesil Theatre. WDS trustee David Small said: “The society established the Chesil Theatre in 1966, though we have been entertaining the people of Winchester since 1863. “In addition to our annual programme of six main productions, we have increased our activities with sessions for two youth groups, drama workshops and training, student performances and regular use of our intimate auditorium for small-scale professional productions.
A FAMILY bereavement forced Chesil Theatre to postpone their broadcast production Two by Jim Cartwright from last Saturday to Sunday December 27. This follows an earlier rescheduling in line with government guidance but Winchester’s leading amateur theatre company is determined the show will go on, eventually. Chairman David Small said: “We’re aware this is a great disappointment for everyone who has been looking forward to our first streaming project ChesilTheatre@Home. The cast and crew have worked hard through many difficulties and we’re sure their patience will be rewarded at this later date. We realise this might not be convenient for everyone who has already booked and enquiries for refunds can be made to tickets@chesiltheatre.org.uk. ”