The Blakehay Theatre, Weston-super-Mare

The theatre building was Weston-super-Mare's first Baptist church, built in 1850 as Wadham Street Baptist Church, and was also the town's first public building.[1][2] In 1862 Hans Price, who became the town's leading architect, was commissioned to adapt and enlarge the building.[3] The name comes from "Black Hay", a field that originally lay between the High Street and Wadham Street.[3]

During World War II the theatre was hit by incendiary bombs. After the war it was rebuilt inside the original Victorian shell. In 1985 the building ceased to be a place of worship. In 1986 the Blakehay was saved from demolition and replacement with a block of flats by the actions of the Weston-super-Mare Building Trust and run by the Civic Society who converted into a venue for amateur and professional events and public meetings.

In September 2004 Weston Town Council purchased the theatre for £195,000.[4]

• 1850 – The Blakehay is built as Wadham Street Baptist Church
• 1862 – The building is enlarged
• 1985 – The building closes as a place of worship
• 2004 – Weston-super-Mare Town Council purchases The Blakehay
• 2010 – Refurbishment begins- Work starts on refurbishing parts of the building including new toilets and bar area
• 2011 – present – The Blakehay Theatre is a community theatre for the residents and visitors of Weston-super-Mare

The Blakehay Theatre operates as live events venue, programming local and regional theatre, music and dance.[5] Facilities in the building include the main Auditorium, Upper Studio, Theatre Bar, two dressing rooms and a box office.