Posted on 13th Feb
The curtain is rising on a new chapter for the Robin Hood Theatre in Newark thanks to a donation from The Wilkins Group.
Following the success of the Nottingham company’s 12 Months of Giving initiative in 2025, which focused on nature and conservation, its latest campaign shines a spotlight on the arts and talent in the local community.
Donating £1,000 each month of the year to 12 different charities, The Wilkins’ Group’s first donation of 2026 was given to the theatre to fund new stage drapes, which can cost in excess of £10,000 — helping to ensure the theatre continues to host performances that delight audiences young and old.
Justin Wilkins, of The Wilkins Group, said: “After a year of supporting nature and conservation, we wanted to turn our attention to the arts and support a local gem that brings the community together.
“The Robin Hood Theatre has a story as colourful as any stage production and supporting the new stage drapes means the show can quite literally go on.
“Theatre is about passion, dedication, and a little bit of magic. We are proud to play a part in keeping this historic venue alive and ensuring it continues to entertain and inspire for generations to come.”
The theatre dates to 1913. The Rev Joseph Cyril Walker, who had moved into the rectory next door, had a greater passion for opera than parish duties. He joined forces with the village carpenter, Robert Lee, to create a mini operatic theatre and staged its first production, Aladdin, in 1918.
The priest even made the costumes himself, and a scrapbook of images from the time is still kept at the theatre.
Sir Donald Wolfit, who appeared in early pantomimes, went on to become one of the most renowned actor managers of the 19th Century.
Performances paused during and after the second world war, but resumed in 1961 thanks to the efforts of a new bishop and his actress friend, Valerie Baker.
The theatre narrowly escaped demolition in 1967 when Donald Wolfit himself stepped in to purchase the freehold, preserving this treasure for the community.
In the new millennium, the theatre trust secured lottery funding to expand, but setbacks, including halted construction and a burglary, meant doors only reopened fully in 2014.
Today the theatre hosts five annual productions of its own, as well as visiting shows, dance schools, the local WI, and tribute acts. Around 100 volunteers keep the theatre running, from stagehands to front-of-house staff, some of whom have been involved for decades.
Jean Baliol-Key, a theatre trustee, said: “We are thrilled to receive this support from The Wilkins Group. The new stage drapes will make a real difference to our productions, helping us maintain the character of our historic building while adding a touch of theatre magic. With this donation, we can keep welcoming performers, audiences and volunteers alike and ensure the show truly goes on.”
Chairman Geoff Morgan added: “Our plan is to replace our drapes and then move on to the seating, The theatre attracts people from all over Newark and we really are at the heart of the community. Support like this is invaluable and we would like to thank the team at The Wilkins Group.”
The Wilkins Group produces food packaging for Pukka Pies, Pizza Express, Harrods, and Cadbury, and has also been recognised for bespoke products, including eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.
