Forgotten artefacts found during theatre revamp

Historical artefacts including old newspaper clippings and milk bottles from the 1930s have been uncovered during renovation works at a theatre.

The New Theatre in Oxford is currently undergoing a revamp of its foyer space, with new bars and kiosks being installed.

It was during these works that various objects dating back almost 100 years - when the theatre was rebuilt - were discovered by construction teams.

Annalysa Godin, the theatre's interim director, said the discoveries "remind us how deeply this building is woven into the story of Oxford itself".

"Every time we touch something in our theatre, a new piece of history comes to light," she said.

Among the artefacts uncovered were old newspaper clippings, vintage photographs and glass milk bottles.

The theatre said some of the newspapers included adverts for the department store Boswells - which was an Oxford institution until it closed its doors after more than two-and-a-half centuries in 2020.

Alex Cowan, from the theatre, said his favourite find had been a time capsule of belongings from a World War Two sergeant that had been hidden behind a bar.

"There were a tonne of pictures from him wrapped up in a little envelope, cigarettes and his service card - it just made me very happy to be the one finding it," he said.

Interim theatre director Ms Godin said everyone who worked at the building was "extremely passionate" about its history.

"So finding items that are as old as the theatre itself is very exciting, especially as we enter this new era with beautifully reimagined spaces," she said.

The discoveries come at a time of renewal for the iconic theatre, with much of the renovation work now completed.

"We want to stay true to our history," Ms Godin said.

"This renovation is not just about modernising our spaces, but also about honouring the generations who've loved our theatre and performed here before us."