Baths Hall Open's Today
07 November 2011 by Paul Rhoades
What a great day for Scunthorpe. Finally, after what seems almost like a generation, the Baths Hall is back.
As regulars will know, the Baths Hall is an old friend of mine, who's loss greatly saddened me. Indeed, my very first trip to the Baths Hall was back in the early 70's when it still was a bath, where as my second visit was with school the see the RSC performing the Merchant of Venice, which was fantastic, and awoke my interest in art and literature.
Our current generation of school children have had nothing like this, until today. Now however with the Baths Hall back and built to such a fantastic standard, lets hope that the LEA, council and operators can work together to reintroduce some culture to the town.
For many years through the 80's and into the 90's the Baths Hall was the place to be for rock and indi entertainment, I remember (vaguely) some fantastic nights there and seeing some great bands and live acts. Best of all to me however is that this Saturday Night, the Rock Open will finally, after many years return to its spiritual home, the Baths Hall.
Will I be going? Probably not, I'll probably be sat at home watching Strictly and looking forward to seeing Brendan Cole's show when it visits the Baths Hall next year.
Today however, myself and another regular contributor to Visit Scunthorpe were invited by SMG Entertainments who now run the Baths Hall to come along to the official opening, and to take some photos for Visit Scunthorpe readers, and to also share on the news groups we contribute to.
Kev took some excellent video throughout the event, including a very good opening speech from the Mayor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bw3F8YV3k8
I had a chat with a few of the councilors and other VIP's and all of them from both sides of the political divide told me that it was something that the town should be proud of and that they would work hard with the operators to ensure that it is a success.
It certainly sounds like its going to get off to a great start with Bill Bailey proving very popular this Friday and then the Rock Open on the Saturday, before Sunday evening's event which will feature a medley of performances by local entertainers.
Looking at the program over the next couple of months, SMG seem to have put a lot of thought in to bringing not just some big acts to this excellent new venue, but also providing a diverse range covering comedians, local entertainers, contemporary music and dance, children's entertainment, musicals and even the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Ballet lovers will however have to wait till March to see Swan Lake (Moscow City Ballet) or the Nut Cracker.
As far as form and function goes, the Baths Hall is outstanding. It's a fantastic blend of old and new, and provides residents of North Lincolnshire with the opportunity to see some brilliant arts and entertainment where otherwise the only option would be out of town travel.
Views and opinions differ as to the size and scope of the Baths Hall, personally I can only see it being of benefit to the town, not just with the jobs its created, but also remember its been built by a local firm, so its already helped inject cash into the local economy. I'm also of the opinion that the completion of the baths hall will present opportunities for the businesses on that stretch of Doncaster Road, perhaps in terms of bars and / or restaurants giving residents a wider choice of where to eat.
The Baths Hall was designed by North Lincolnshire's in house team, and is a proud testament to the skills within the town, built by Clugston Construction. The main auditorium can seat 1,000 people, however, if you want the dance floor out, then the tiered seating at the back "folds away" and the floor standing seating is mounted on a hovercraft which is then stored under the stage.
For a full list of events, visit the baths hall web site
We've got a good selection of photos uploaded to our photo gallery, if any one else has any and would like to add them, please feel free to do so
I should also point out another good article on the Scunthorpe Telegraph web site with some more pictures, don't know who those two cheeky chappies caught on photo 6 are though;:
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Not only is it a stunning development and local entertainment asset beyond compare, it has been completed bang on time - a credit to the local labour force. The program of events are very diverse and exceptional. I for one will certainly be investing my leisure time in their events. Note: I do hope they don't allow patrons to take in Chinese food like they do in Grimsby. The Auditorium without Decorium
Kate Rusby - do not miss her show !!!
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