One of Britain’s oldest amateur theatre companies is calling for new members to help sustain and develop the theatre for future generations.
The Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham is a much-loved and well-known company of actors and production staff which has been providing a high standard of theatre in the city centre for just over a century. The late Timothy West was a patron. His wife, Prunella Scales, remains a patron, alongside the famous actor couple Keeley Hawes and Matthew Macfadyen.
Founded as the Nottingham Playgoers Club in 1922, the company today puts on 14 shows every year. The theatre is run like a traditional repertory company, similar to the professional ‘reps’ which used to flourish in venues across the country.
Membership fell slightly during the pandemic, so now the theatre has produced its own mini-documentary to show the workings of the company, both on and off stage. The film will be screened at a special Open Evening at the theatre on Halifax Place in Nottingham on Thursday, 9th January 2025, at 7.30pm. Anyone with an interest in acting or theatre production is welcome to attend, with no experience necessary.
The company had over 300 members pre-pandemic, but numbers dropped during Covid. It now has around 230 members, many of whom perform in the busy and varied programme of plays staged every year. Others take on backstage roles like stage management, sound and lighting, costume and props, front of house, box office, bar, and theatre administration.
The theatre also runs a Youth Group of around thirty 11- to 18-year-olds who attend weekly workshops during term time. Every spring, the group stages a popular major production on the main stage.
The Lace Market Theatre also has special links with two theatres in Nottingham’s twin town of Karlsruhe in Germany. An exchange tour takes place every two years, alternating between the cities, when the theatres put on two plays during a week of performances and cultural sightseeing.
Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Lace Market Theatre, Gareth Morris, said: “Everything you see when you visit the Lace Market Theatre has been put there by someone because of their passion for theatre. We are very lucky to be the current custodians, and it is up to us to pass it on to the next generation of enthusiastic creatives in a better condition than we received it. Anyone can be a part of that. You don’t need to be an expert in any particular area; we will show you the ropes and support your love of theatre in any discipline you’re interested in.”
Actor and assistant stage manager Jake Turner, who is currently rehearsing for a production of Sam Steiner’s West End hit Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, said: “Acting with the Lace Market Theatre has given me a chance to explore my passion for the stage. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming, and it’s great to be part of a collective of creative people. As a result, my passion has continued to grow and blossom, and I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Lesley Brown, Props Mistress, said: “The Lace Market Theatre has allowed me to rediscover my creativity, working together as a team to put on great productions. There’s ready-made friendship because of our shared passion, and also a chance to develop new skills. It can also be a springboard into a professional career in theatre. It really is my second home and family.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Lace Market Theatre and potentially becoming a member can come along to the Open Evening on Thursday, 9th January, at 7.30pm. Visitors will be able to meet current members and watch the new behind-the-scenes film that covers all aspects of the theatre’s operations.
There will also be a free drink in the bar, a guided tour of the theatre building, and an opportunity to ask questions and join the company on the spot for a very reasonable fee of £55 per year. Discounted rates are available for people on low or no income.
The Lace Market Theatre holds four Open Evenings or Open Days every year, so there will be further opportunities to visit on Thursday evenings or Saturday afternoons in 2025 and beyond.
