TV saves the theatre stars – 40 years ago in The Stage

This week 40 years ago (December 20, 1984), The Stage reported on a new home for the “thriving” former Actors Centre.

“The theatre industry’s thriving meeting place for performers is set to move to brand new West End premises – thanks to television and radio companies,” we wrote.

“The Actors Centre in Covent Garden is currently putting the final touches on a deal to take over 4,000 square feet of space in Tottenham Court Road.

“Staff at the centre are coy about the exact cost of the new building but confirmed that the Independent Television Companies Association and Capital Radio have made substantial contributions.

“The theatre industry, which provides the bulk of the centre’s membership, looks like it is being represented by a small, traditional grant from Equity, which is yet to be confirmed.

“The Centre was scheduled to move to its new home in January but delays in lease negotiations and the need to carry out refurbishments mean that it will operate out of Danceworks in Balderton Street from January 21. The Actors Centre will now open in Tottenham Court Road around March 1.

“A spokesperson for the Centre told The Stage: ‘I can’t say just yet what the new centre is costing. It would be difficult to ask the theatre business to come up with large amounts of money in these times.

“ ‘It will be a great relief after the cramped conditions at our old building in Covent Garden,’ the spokesman added.”