A show fit for a King Traditional Cache

This is the first cache that I have placed.

It is a small tube and log only, so bring your own pen.

So many people I have spoken to were completely unaware of the fact that there is a theatre in Newmarket, and with it having such an interesting history, I thought it would be a perfect place for a cache hide.

This may be possible as a cache and dash, but on show dates (normally evenings but occasional Sat afternoons) will be quite muggle heavy. There are normally posters on display showing the dates of upcoming shows though so you can easily plan when to visit and when to avoid.

The King’s Theatre in Fitzroy Street, Newmarket, seats an audience of a hundred and twenty-three. The interior was restored with recovered seats, replaced carpets, ceiling and walls painted and lighting enhanced. This was achieved by the efforts of the members of Nomads (Newmarket Operatic, Musical and Dramatic Society) who own the theatre, and grants from Forest Heath District Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council. Other improvements were possible with a grant of £60,000 from the National Lottery in 1994.

The Theatre was originally St. Mary’s Church of England School, and during the Second World War it was used as a British Restaurant, where you could get a reasonable lunch for about 6d (i.e. 2 to 3 pence in present day terms). It was then called the Fitzroy Rooms.

NOMADS were an itinerant company of players who lacked permanent premises and when they were finally to leave The White Hart, their Chairman was one Captain H.R. King. He generously bought the Fitzroy Rooms and the NOMADS of the day set about turning it into the theatre you see today. Work on the new premises was voluntary and tales are legion of who did what and how equipment was obtained. Everything was begotten by honest sweat and toil. It was a labour of love for many – some still with us, but others long gone.

The theatre was purchased in 1947 and Captain King bequeathed it to the NOMADS in trust on his death. It is not known how much he paid for it but the premises and equipment are now worth close on half a million pounds. The first performance was in 1955. The theatre is run by the NOMADS board and the society is now a limited company and a registered charity, showing at least 7 shows a year including a pantomime.