New owner of community theatre hall is named

The new owner of a theatre hall, which was previously declared as a "surplus" by Kent County Council, has been named.

Michael Wheatley-Ward, founder and director of Sarah Thorne Theatre, is the new owner of Broadstairs Memorial Hall.

The building was listed with a £350,000 guide price but received a single bid, £45,000 below its asking price.

Sarah Thorne Theatre, of which Dame Judi Dench is a patron, has a five-year peppercorn lease at the hall.

Mr Wheatley-Ward said he had several reasons why he thought to save the Sarah Thorne Theatre site.

"Community theatre plays an important part in life and especially now where we need places for people to be bad at, learn and develop their skills," he said.

"It offers employment and a purpose to get up in the morning. Like our Patron Judi Dench says, retirement is not a word in our dictionary."

He added they are forming a charity trust and would pass over the theatre to hold for future generations.

"Plans are now being set to raise funds to finalise both the purchase of the site and improvements to the building. Details of these will be released shortly," he added.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.