The curtain has risen on some new improvements that will help Retford’s Majestic Theatre to attract more visitors and make the building more accessible.
A £1,300 Community Grant from a group of Bassetlaw District Councillors has transformed the auditorium with a brand-new counter fitted next to the confectionery counter, allowing the theatre to improve the customer experience, increase sales of products such as sweets and soft drinks, and provide improved accessibility for disabled patrons.
In addition, the new counter will help the theatre explore the option of introducing a Disabled Ordering Service, allowing customers to pre-order drinks and snacks to collect on arrival.
Brady Mould, Artistic Director of Retford Majestic Theatre, said: “We are extremely grateful to our local councillors for this grant, which allows us to continue improving the experience for all our visitors. The new counter is not only a step forward in accessibility but also enhances the service we can provide to every customer. This investment helps us move closer to our vision of making the Majestic a fully inclusive and welcoming space for the whole community.”
Retford Majestic Theatre has been running since 1927. When it opened, it was home to stage plays and silent films. Over the years, it has been saved three times from demolition and is now home to some of the biggest acts and shows from the local area and across the UK.
Cllr Malachi Carroll, Ward Member for East Retford West, and Deputy Mayor of Retford, spoke on behalf of the councillors who contributed to the theatre. He said: “I’m proud to support the Retford Majestic Theatre alongside my fellow councillors through our Councillor Grants.
“The funding towards a new counter in the auditorium is a practical improvement that will enhance the customer experience and support the theatre’s ongoing work in our community. It’s a pleasure to contribute to a venue that continues to provide such cultural and social value to Retford and the surrounding area.”
The councillors who contributed to the project are: Cllr Malachi Carroll, Ward Member for East Retford West; Cllr John Manners, Cllr Dan Henderson and Cllr Susan Shaw, Ward Members for East Retford East; Cllr Jonathan Slater and Cllr Graham Oxby, Ward Members for East Retford North; Cllr Fraser Merryweather, Ward Member for Worksop North East and Cllr Cliff Entwistle, Ward Member for Worksop East.
To follow Majestic Theatre Retford on Facebook and find out what events are taking place, visit: https://www.facebook.com/majesticretford
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small budget and has the discretion to award grants to community activities that will benefit their respective electoral ward areas. Councillors will consider grant applications for sports; culture and heritage; environment and sustainability; social welfare; and community activities.
Pictured: Carolyn White, Cllr Malachi Carroll and Cllr Jonathan Slater
Last Updated on Thursday, January 8, 2026