The Astor Community theatre, Stanhope Rd, Deal CT14 6AB
he Astor Community Theatre is located in the seaside town of Deal on the East Kent coast; close to Canterbury, Dover and Sandwich. Today, The Astor is a unique, multi-purpose arts centre offering an eclectic mix of music, theatre, literary events, art exhibitions and films, as well as a range of classes and workshops which cater to all ages and tastes. The building itself, however, has a rich and varied The land on which the theatre now stands was owned in the 18th and 19th Centuries by the Iggulden brothers; influential local land owners and frequent mayors of the town who were involved in shipping and brewing. They established Hills Brewery, which in 1901 Hills was sold to Thompson & Sons Brewery who closed it and the site was bought by Steed Bayley and Arthur Wise for re-development. Stanhope Road first appears in the 1906 Deal Street directory with the terrace of 11 houses and the General Post Office built opposite. The Stanhope Hall opened in December 1906 and appears in the 1907 edition of the Deal street directory. Initially, the hall was used for celebrations and business alike; hosting entertainment, meetings, and receptions including concerts and shows when bad weather hit the Pier Theatre. The space was also used as a roller-skating rink and in 1921 renamed the Winter Gardens Theatre before being refurbished in 1928.
Size: 4979px × 3738px
Location: The Astor Community Theatre, Stanhope Rd, Deal CT14 6AB
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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