On Winchester Road is a building that stands out like no other. Every day it welcomes commuters with architecture that hawkens back to a lost era of ecstatic style – but nevertheless instils a promise of showbizz and pizzazz within its walls. For over 90 years we have known this building as the Plaza.
It is only appropriate that Romsey’s jazziest looking locale also be the home of the town’s most culturally enriching institution. With glimmering bulbs and searchlights that shine an alluring glow to its facade, exhibited posters, and golden handrails that lead to the lobby. It is unmistakably a place of intrigue and liveliness. But despite the obvious longevity, the Plaza only became a stage theatre in 1984 – though entertainment has always been its purpose.
Built initially as a Cinema de Lux in 1931, the Plaza was erected at a time when picture-houses were at the height of popularity. Thanks to technological innovations in commercial leisure such as the invention of sound cinema (“talkies”), films became appealing again as silent movies faded out of fashion. These were also the only places one could watch newsreels – long before TV’s were commonplace, which people were especially dependent on during wartime for updates and escapism.
And as for the quirky appearance, the cinema boom resulted in hundreds of theatres across thecountry that followed the same radical artistic design: ‘streamline moderne’ or art deco. Defining exterior characteristics include horizontal grooves, rounded corners, and smooth pastel colours.
Elsewhere, in 1934, 12 acting enthusiasts got together at the White Horse and formed Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (RAODS). A year later they put on their first show, The Mikado – a popular Savoy Opera, which took place (reportedly to great ovation) at the Town Hall. However, positive reviews aside, the Hall was quickly deemed too claustrophobic a venue for their ambition – alongside complaints about a leaky ceiling. Subsequently, Crosfield Hall was hastily commissioned and built to be RAODS permanent home, and opened in 1936 with a production of Pirates of Penzance. The group would maintain their specialty in Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas until the 1950s, when renting costs for costumes and setting exceeded ticket income.
Then in 1968, the Plaza ceased showing films, and went from one form of entertainment to another by becoming a Bingo hall. Fast forward another 14 years and the building was vacated yet again. A whopping £72,000 was needed within a week to acquire the premise, which RAODS (at this point needing a new home) successfully achieved via fundraisers. After two years of renovations, the Plaza finally became the working stage theatre we recognise it as today – with an auditorium of 232 tier seats and a greenroom that doubles as a bar and 50 seat studio. As the blue plaque on the front will tell you, it was opened by Lord Romsey before a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Because it is unusual for a theatre company to own their own space, the Plaza is a member of The Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain. Volunteers run the theatre professionally from all positions, actors to technicians, and all funds are generated by memberships and patrons. This fact of independent ownership also means the threat of closure is an ever present fear. In its last chapter of survival (back in 2020), a crowdfunding campaign was launched, in conjunction with the #SaveOurTheatres movement, to subdue the financial hardships brought on by the lockdowns. It was even sponsored by acting royalty Sir Ian McKellen.
To great relief, £15,000 was raised by the public – proving there remains interest to ensure Romsey’s present generations can still enjoy the theatre.
Today, the Plaza thrives in doing what it was always meant for – hosting audiences seeking to experience a variety of live theatrics. The committee, and their talented adult and youth groups, do their best to pack a year-long selective program for all tastes: from original in-house dramas, musicals and comedies, to classic family pantomimes. And of course there are always touring acts in the form of magicians, comedians and tribute bands. Additionally, they are reputable for their considerate accommodating of special needs – putting on specially designed performances that are Makaton friendly.
It’s been quite the story for the Plaza so far: one of two colliding forces – a building in need of performance and a group in need of a space to perform. Who knows how much is worthy of re-telling on stage. But we can leave that to the experts.
