The theatre curtain goes up

By SOPHIE MCCARRICK sophie.mccarrick@algarveresident.com

One of the most important historic theatres in the Algarve, Teatro Gregório Mascarenhas in Silves, has been restored to its former splendour and is now set to add a new dimension to the cultural life of the town.

Established on July 24, 1909 by Gregório Mascarenhas, a local business man linked to the cork industry, the theatre is noted for its attractive, Moorish style architecture.

Designed by architect Júdice Costa, the building is located at the crossroads of the two streets Cândido Reis and Diogo Manuel, and was inaugurated with a concert by the Silvense Orchestra, directed by Henrique Rocha Júnior.

There is seating for 430 people in the main auditorium, flanked at the back and both sides by balconies.

Throughout its history, the theatre has staged various events and performances, serving as an iconic location of the town, notably through films and activities of the Silvense Philharmonic Society, which started performing there in 1937. However, the theatre lapsed into a state of disrepair in recent decades, leading to its closure and further deterioration.

The rundown theatre, which was left abandoned for several years, was reopened in 2005 with a concert by the well-known Portuguese maestro António Victorino d’Almeida, before closing again for a total renovation costing €2 million.

The refurbished space is now open for a variety of functions, such as plays, musicals, films, rehearsals and other drama-related performances.

President of Silves Câmara, Isabel Soares, told the Algarve Resident: “Although small, the beautiful Teatro Gregório Mascarenhas is one of the most emblematic buildings in the town of Silves, representing a golden period in our history, a period that is also linked to the cork industry, which flourished here and brought great fortune.

“The theatre, throughout its time, has guaranteed work and provided a great space for entertainment, which has been filled with sounds of laughter and marvellous words for many decades.

“The refurbishment of this theatre has brought joy to everyone in Silves, and in particular to myself, and I am sure the theatre will provide future generations with a true testimony of Silves’ cultural life; contributing to the enrichment of all,” she concluded.

Entertaining for charity

The Angels Theatre Group, a charitable organisation that performs to raise funds for local causes, will be staging a production of ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen’, a Noel Coward Revue, at the theatre for two nights on November 9 and 10, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Silves.

A ticket to view the show that begins at 7.30pm will cost €15 inclusive of a welcome glass of wine and snacks.

Proceeds raised will be donated to the Silves and São Brás de Alportel Bombeiros.

The Angels group have also expressed their interest in using the Silves theatre for future productions and rehearsals, due to its intimate atmosphere and charming surroundings.

966 086 181 | www.angelstheatregroup.com

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