Goodwill messages and telegrams came from George Bernard Shaw and Ralph Richardson (who had been born in the town).

The Corporation funded the services of the front of house staff, the cashier and box office facilities and all the publicity.

[3] In 2008, the auditorium and green room underwent a £340,000 refurbishment, half of which was funded by the council, together with additional donations from the Summerfield Charitable Trust,[4] Trefoil Trust, a bequest from a founder member, several of the resident non-professional companies, and the charities own fundraising efforts.

Funding will be sought in the region of £3.5 million to achieve the charity's ambition to become a fully-staffed professional arts centre while still remaining home to local performers.

1806/7 saw the opening of a small complex built by Henry Thompson that encompassed a handful of baths, a sudatory (steam room) and a self-administering enema machine.

The current auditorium is built over this pool and is used as a furniture store; it is shown each September as part of Heritage Open Days.