We have a website dedicated to the Athenaeum's history. See below for a link to mcrathenaeumdramasoc.wordpress.com

 

The Athenaeum is believed to be the oldest independent amateur dramatic society in the world. The group started in 1847 as a Dramatic and Literary Society, and have been continually performing for Manchester audiences since that time, apart from during the period of the World Wars.

 

Known today as the “ATH” or “MADS”, the original society was a group within the Manchester Athenaeum Institute, from which their name derived.  The building is now part of the City Art Gallery, and the theatre was located in what is now the Craft and Design Gallery on the top floor. Nowadays there is no longer a stage, but this is where the original society performed.

 

In the early years the Ath was strictly a Gentlemen’s Society, and there were no female performers or women allowed in the audience. But by 1850, despite some opposition, they were performing to mixed audiences, and using professional actresses. By this time the Society was also using scenery in their productions.

 

In the 1870s a fire destroyed the original top floor of the building which included the sports hall where plays were staged, as well as the library and other rooms. The insurance settlement and fund-raising provided money to construct the existing top floor and performances continued for many years in a proper theatre, which boasted state-of-the-art dimmable gas lighting; a stage and hall; and air conditioning and heating. Many premieres were staged, as well as operas including several Gilbert and Sullivan productions.

 

By the 1880s the Society ended the practice of employing professional actresses as it was proving to be too costly! Consequently this at last gave the members’ wives and other female relatives the opportunity to perform. Although they appeared in the show as ‘guest’ performers - being a ‘gentleman’s club’ it was still a male-only membership. It wasn’t until the 1920s that women gained membership status, but even then they could not serve on the committee.

 

The Society continued performing at the Athenaeum Theatre until the outbreak of the Second World War. Due to financial problems the building had to be sold to Manchester City Council. Although the Society had managed to obtain a lease on the theatre space, the building unfortunately suffered extensive damage during the German bombardment of Manchester in 1940 and it was condemned by the Fire Service. From 1944 to 1972 the Ath took to a nomadic existence, performing in various city centre and suburban venues. Until in 1973 they found a permanent home at St Werburgh’s Hall, Chorlton, where they continue to perform to this day.

 

More about MADS history:-

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https://mcrathenaeumdramasoc.wordpress.com/

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/manchester/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8633000/8633050.stm

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