architect, was commissioned to adapt and enlarge the building. The name comes from "Black Hay", a field that originally lay between the High Street and Wadham Street.

During World War II the theatre was hit by incendiary bombs. After the war it was rebuilt inside the original Victorian shell. In 1985 the building ceased to be a place of worship. In 1986 the Blakehay was saved from demolition and replacement with a block of flats by the actions of the