It all started with three am-dram groups and a lot of enthusiasm
After the First World War, Tonbridge found itself with not one but three amateur dramatic groups, plus a professional company at the Empire Theatre. There was the wonderfully named Zingara Concert Party (a bit chaotic, but great fun), the Tonbridge Amateur Dramatic Society — who once transported an entire production to nearby villages by van and bicycle — and Tonbridge Little Theatre, run by two schoolteachers with a taste for the classics.
The two amateur groups didn’t always see eye to eye. But the Second World War has a way of putting things in perspective, and in 1945 they joined forces to become the Tonbridge Theatre Club.
Ten shows a year in a space the size of a large living room
The new club set up home in some old stables behind the Mitre pub — a stage measuring just 11ft by 14ft, and room for only 60 in the audience. Somehow, they still managed ten shows a year and even squeezed 40 people on stage for one memorable production. Ambitious doesn’t begin to cover it.
Finding a proper home
By the late 1960s, it was clear the Mitre had been outgrown. After ruling out the old Capitol cinema as too tricky to convert, a group of ten brave members put their own money on the line to buy a redundant oast house on London Road. They had one year to raise £7,500 to secure it — and, against the odds, they did.
The Oast Theatre opens its doors
In April 1974, after a huge effort from members and builders alike, the Oast Theatre opened with a production of Tom Jones. It’s been our home ever since.
We’ve grown a lot since then: a 1988 extension (opened by HRH Prince Edward, no less), a converted barn for our workshop and wardrobe, and further improvements in 1997 to dressing rooms and storage. These days our costume and props hire brings in vital income too — so if you’re after something special for your own production, do take a look at our galleries.
From a handful of am-dram enthusiasts to a theatre that’s the envy of many — it’s been quite a journey, and we’re still going!