In 1999 the Co-operative Wholesale Society, which owned the Co-operative Arts Theatre, announced that it was selling the theatre building for redevelopment. Since its foundation in 1948, the theatre had long been a vital part of the city’s cultural life and the threat of its closure was keenly felt. 

A two year campaign, spear-headed by the Nottingham poet, playwright and theatre director - Campbell Kay - to save the theatre was mounted. Support was sought from the City Council, professional actors, directors and writers such as Peter Bowles, Sheri Hewson, Ken Loach, Su Pollard and Alan Sillitoe, who had begun their careers at the theatre, Co-operative sponsored members of parliament, members of the general public and local and national media. 

By 2000 the educational charity, Nottingham Arts Theatre, had been founded and, in association with Eastwood Productions, a fund raising production of a ground-breaking version of Shakespeare’s King Lear - And My Poor Fool Is Hang’d - was mounted to raise funds for the charity. This innovative two-hander pointed to the theatre’s future and demonstrated a move from its previous am dram traditions to a more contemporary repertoire. 

Join Campbell Kay for an evening of reminiscence, secret negotiations and gossip as he reflects on the purchase of the theatre, the production of And My Poor Fool Is Hang’d and 25 years of the charity’s survival.

Tickets include a copy of the new publication And My Poor Fool Is Hang'd rrp £7.99

Studio Show: Unreserved Seating

Tickets: £9

Interval: 20 Minutes