The new 'Theatre'

The New Theatre

Completing a £7m fundraising programme which will build a new theatre on the site of the first purpose-built public theatre in London

Tavistock Repertory Guarantors Ltd is a charity which promotes the arts and education and supports one of London’s leading non-professional theatre companies. It has the unique opportunity to build a brand new theatre on the site of the first purpose-built playhouse ever seen in the capital.

"The Theatre".

We have obtained funding to purchase the site, which we now own. An additional £1.7 million of funding is in place, which together represent over half the capital needed. The charity has been granted planning permission and it will be launching an appeal to raise the £3.3 million needed to construct a 130-seat theatre and production base. Architect Barry Brown of Bland, Brown and Cole has devised designs which will preserve the historic remains in situ. and Hackney Council and English Heritage have been extremely encouraging in the preliminary phases of this exciting project.

What exactly is planned?

The aim is to begin building in 2011 and open in 2012. It's not intended to recreate an Elizabethan theatre, but to provide the twenty-first century equivalent of the original - a no-frills, full time, hardworking place of entertainment. It will offer valuable performance, exhibition and rehearsal space for a wide range of arts projects in central London as well as being a versatile and accessible resource for the neighbourhood. It will also be a new home for the Tower Theatre Company.

The players

Throughout its 77 years, The Tower Theatre Company has been open to everyone. Members can participate in all aspects of theatrical productions - auditioning as actors, working backstage, designing set, lighting and costumes as well as publicizing shows and managing Front of House and Box Office. It has given thousands of people the opportunity to become involved in live theatre and some notable actors, directors and designers have had their first taste of theatre with The Tower. The Company produces about eighteen shows a year and has a strong track record of working with schools and charities and introducing young people to the theatre through youth theatre and children’s classes.