Tributes as funeral of Doncaster Grand Theatre stalwart set to take place
She fought to save and re-open the venue for more than 30 years
Tributes have been paid to a stalwart campaigner who battled to save and re-open Doncaster’s Grand Theatre for more than 30 years, following her death.
Margaret Herbert passed away earlier this month at the age of 93.
Mrs Herbert was Honorary President of the Friends of Doncaster Grand Theatre, the campain group set up to preseve the redundant theatre venue at the side of the city’s Frenchgate centre.
Her funeral is due to take place today (Friday) at Memoria Barnby Dun from 4pm.
A family spokesperson said: “We are sorry to announce that she has recently passed away at the amazing age of 93.
“Margaret was an avid supporter of the Grand Theatre group for decades, and spent many, many hours campaigning and raising funds to bring the theatre back to its former glory.”
A spokesperson for Friends of Doncaster Mansion House said: “We were very sorry to hear of the death of Margaret Herbert, a former volunteer and trustee of the Friends of the Mansion House.
“Margaret was interested in all aspects of Doncaster's history, but her great passion was the Grand Theatre, and she was involved with the Friends of the Grand Theatre for thirty years.
“She was always willing to dress in period costume to support our events, and the photo shows as her dressed as a suffragist for the 2018 talk about Doncaster's first female councillor. “
The Grade II listed theatre, which has been redundant and slowly falling into disrepair after closing as a bingo hall in 1995, was snapped up for £77,000 at auction in 2024.
New owners were announced, with bosses describing the crumbling building as a “fabulous jewel in the crown” – which “deserves to be enjoyed” by the city’s people.
The new owners of the building, which dates from 1899, are property development and regeneration firm Mossmans
Little is known at this stage about the plans for the theatre but under a section entitled “upcoming projects” on the firm’s website, a statement reads: “The Grand Doncaster is a fabulous landmark and jewel in the crown for Doncaster city.
"A remarkable building as stunning as The Grand deserves to be enjoyed by the people of Doncaster and beyond.
"We are working tirelessly to bring these remarkable buildings back to life and to be enjoyed by the local community and tourists alike.”