“Did you know that this building before you, the Stephen Joseph Studio, has lived many lives?” I ask you, my tour group. This building started as a German Protestant Church. Now it thrives as a hub for drama students. Prepare to step back in time and uncover the secrets of the Stephen Joseph Studio.
The Stephen Joseph Studio stands as a testament to Manchester’s evolving cultural landscape. Originally, this was a German Protestant Church. It served the local German community here in Greenheys. The church appeared in the Manchester Directory as early as 1858. A pastor named H. E. Marotsky led the congregation. Be careful not to confuse this church with the German Church on John Dalton Street. Joseph Steinthal established that one in 1854.
Around 1871, construction started. Before 1895, construction of the original church was complete. Its architectural style is Neo-Gothic. Notice the main entrance on the west side. Also note the side entrance on the north. The east side boasts a beautiful rose window.
In 1949, the University of Manchester acquired the building. It had various uses before becoming the Department of Drama’s home. The Stephen Joseph Studio now houses seven lecture rooms. These rooms accommodate up to 179 students.
But who was Stephen Joseph? He was a pioneer of theatre in the round. The Stephen Joseph Studio is named in his honor. He was the son of actress Hermione Gingold and publisher Michael Joseph. Stephen was the youngest person accepted into the Central School of Speech and Drama. He graduated in 1939.
Joseph championed “theatre in the round.” In 1962, he transformed an old cinema in Stoke-on-Trent. It became the Victoria Theatre, the UK’s first permanent theatre-in-the-round.
In 1962, Joseph became the first fellow of the Department of Drama at Manchester University. Later, he lectured there. He helped create the drama department. The University Drama department owes Stephen Joseph a lot for its establishment.
Joseph was passionate about innovation in theatre. He discovered new and controversial material. He encouraged playwrights like Alan Ayckbourn and Harold Pinter.
The Mansfield Cooper Building has stood to the south-west of Stephen Joseph Studio since the late 1970s.
Stephen Joseph died young at only 46. The Stephen Joseph Studio stands as a reminder of his wit and optimism. His legacy lives on in Manchester’s vibrant drama scene. So, as you walk through these halls, remember Stephen Joseph’s words. “If, when mankind finally disintegrates, whoever created him has been stimulated and amused, mankind will have accomplished something.”