Who are we?

Friends of Theatre is a nation-wide, non profitmaking organisation, designed to increase the enjoyment you already derive from the theatre.We are a self-help organisation.

The Committee seeks the active support of its membership, with ideas for events, contacts, or with personal leads for events associated with the professional theatre.The Committee will always be available to provide support, encouragement and coordination for ideas put to it by its members.

What do we do?

Our visits to the theatre, normally at weekends, are designed to provide an opportunity for members to learn more from producers, directors, designers, composers, and actors, about their craft. Equally importantly, they are social gatherings. A Friends of Theatre event often involves seeing a play, followed by a discussion with one or more of the professionals associated with the performance; it may be a workshop, or an invitation to join a masterclass; or a Sunday lunch incorporating a discussion led by an eminent authority on an aspect of the theatre.

We also contribute financially to support companies and theatres – we have given more than £50,000 since we were set up 1995. As part of our support for theatres we are members of nca (National Campaign for the Arts).

How does it work?

At least once a month an event is organised by a member. Details of costings and timing are circulated well in advance. If you want to attend you simply complete the return part of the form and send to the organiser, and you will receive a slip giving you a ticket number(s) and the meeting arrangements. When you arrive at the theatre on the day, the organiser is there to greet you and give you your ticket(s).

Our ability to make group bookings, and the absence of any management charges, means that we can always ensure very good value for money at every event. Such surpluses as we may make are put back into the industry, either towards support for training at accredited Theatre Schools, or support for outstanding fringe work.