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Theater History

The Pastime Theatre was built in 1937 by local laborers Elwood Smith, Sim Tidwell and Little Boy Tidwell; carpenters, Arlon Trull, S. Trull and Radburg Bryant; and brick masons Penny Trull and Al Smith. The theatre opened in 1938 as a movie theatre with a stage large enough for vaudeville productions. The theatre was owned by Mr. and Mrs. George T. Thornton and daughter Glenera R. Horn and operated by as a movie theatre. Worthington Theatres foreclosed on the property in October 1965. In 1965 Jack Lane and Frances Borders purchased and operated the theatre through the 1970’s. It reopened under different management for a short period in the 1980’s but closed permanently. The A. P. Seals family purchased the building in 1993. The building which had been vacant for several years was purchased from the A. P. Seals family on November 13, 2000, by the Winfield Main Street Program.

Under the direction of Bob Henger, the first phase of the restoration, which included roof, floors, walls, ceiling, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning began. State of the art sound system, stage lighting, seats and curtains were installed. A wooden marquee was constructed complete with theatre lights. Careful attention was given to detail in order to retain the original art deco. Nine original seats, which served the Black entrance, were left untouched in the balcony. A premier viewing of “Our Town” by Alabama Public Television opened the theatre on November 30, 2002. In 2005 a metal marquee was installed.

Today the theatre, which is owned by the City of Winfield and operated by a seven-member board, brings much needed cultural, artistic and educational performances to our community and the surrounding area.

Some past performers:

The Diamonds Nationally-known Rock and Roll performers

Makin’ Music Freed-Hardeman University students

K. B. Doyle Classical concert pianist

Carl Hurley Nationally-known comedian

John Chappell As Mark Twain

Kathryn Tucker Windham Alabama Author and Storyteller

Jimmy Warren and Friends Local Country/Blue Grass

Three on a String Comedy/Blue Grass

Peter Buchi Italian tenor

Wayland Pickard and “One Enchanted Evening” - Broadway
Valerie Perri performers

The Velveteen Rabbit GMT Productions - children’s stage production

Tommy Barnes Nashville singer/songwriter

Joseph Baldwin and Country music
Rowdy Knights

The Lambs Classical Violins

Laura Rosser Vocal/Pianist

Warren Miles Band Local Country/Blue Grass

Big Ben Atkins Rock and roll

Gospel Singspiration Gospel music

Royal Wade Kimes “In My Land”, musical story of American Cowboy

John Stone Country music

The Beasley Family Sacred Harp music

T. Graham Brown Country and Blues

Legendary Cleve Eaton Jazz and rhythm and blues
And Alabama All Stars

Mac Frampton Trio World renowned piano virtuoso.
Trio consisting of piano, percussion and bass performing a variety of music.

The BeatLads Beatle tribute band
 

Contact Us

Winfield Main Street
Physical: 1052 US Highway 43, Winfield, Alabama  35594
Mailing: PO Box 1557, Winfield, Alabama  35594
Phone:(205) 487-8841
E-Mail: winfieldpastimetheatre@yahoo.com