Parr Hall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Parr Hall is Warrington's only surviving professional concert hall/theatre venue.
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[edit] Location
The Parr Hall and Pyramid Arts Centre are located in the Cultural quarter of Warrington town centre, in Palmyra Square.
[edit] History
Originally it was built for the people of Warrington by Joseph Parr.
It has played host over the years to a variety of famous names including Ken Dodd, Circus of Horrors, Wheatus.
It has also been home since 1992 to the Warrington Scouts Gang Show.
[edit] Cavaillé-Coll Organ
The Parr Hall is home to one of the few remaining Cavaillé-Coll organs in the world. This is also the only Cavaille-Coll organ in Britain today that fully represents Cavaillé-Coll's work. The Cavaillé-Coll was bought by Warrington Corporation in 1925 from Ketton Hall.
In 1969, the Warrington Corporation decided that an estimated restoration of the instrument, costing £9,000 would not be a viable proposition. Through the staunch efforts of a specially formed Cavaillé-Coll Organ Retention Committee (under the chairmanship of Gordon Fletcher) the Corporation gave an undertaking that, if the money could be raised, the organ would be retained in the Parr Hall.
In late 2006 Warrington Borough Council decided that the modern needs of the venue meant that a new home would be sought for the organ.
[edit] Pyramid Arts Centre
In 1989 the borough council also saw a need for a better arts and theatre complex so re-developed the old courthouse next door into The Pyramid Arts Centre. The Pyramid hosts various classes throughout the year for people interested in getting into the arts.
[edit] Other Theatres in Warrington
In the past there were a number of other theatres/concert venues in Warrington, most have either been shut down, demolished or turned into pubs and clubs. The last proper theatre to close in the town was the Crosfield Centenary Theatre, originally run by Crosfield Chemical Company (now Unilever), now demolished.
Padgate High School has a studio theatre which has hosted some notable productions.
