Lights, Camera, Action!

Photo credits: Adam Hollier

The Court Theatre has been part of the Tring community for more than 40 years – but how much do you know about the history of the building and its previous incarnations?

The building has been on Station Road since 1878, and for years was a riding school. Exactly 100 years later the stables were converted and since 1978, Tring has had a working theatre!

Over the years its name has changed from The Pendley Arts Centre, to the Dorian Williams Theatre, and now it’s the David Evans Court Theatre, thanks to local businessman David Evans who continues to support the theatre financially.

‘The theatre is run by the Court Theatre Charity, and everyone is a volunteer,’ explains Ian Gower, who has been involved since it opened.

‘It’s special because it’s run by the community for the community, and we have a completely non-exclusivity policy. So if you want to put on a play, you can book the theatre and put your show on, no matter what it is.’

For Ian, this is the most important aspect of the theatre. ‘It’s about opportunity over elitism – we give someone the infrastructure to put on a show and the rest is down to them.’

Currently, several theatre groups regularly put on productions, such as Get Stuffed Comedy Club, Berkhamsted Theatre Company, Tring Theatre Company and Frayed Knot.

The Youth Theatre also regularly put on shows, and auditions are held every year for local children to get involved in putting on a production.

Whether you want to get involved or just want to enjoy amazing shows, there’s something for everyone; and we urge you to support it as much as you can.

For more details on upcoming shows, including this year’s panto, Aladdin (more details can be found in our panto feature), go to www.courttheatre.co.uk.