The Frinton Summer Theatre
began over sixty years ago
at the Old Imperial Hall, Pole Barn Lane (now known as Pyrkes Removals). It was unavoidably interrupted by the war
but started up again in 1947 in its present home, The McGrigor Hall (formerly
known as the WI Hall) in Fourth Avenue, and continued until 1974 when brothers,
Peter and Sam Hoar who had run it for many years, suddenly announced that they
were giving up.
By this time Frinton Theatre
had become an institution of more than local importance. Many well know actors and actresses had
begun their professional career there and Frinton had earned the nickname
“Nursery of the Stars”. To name but a
few “Stars” – Julie Christie, Michael Denison, Vanessa Redgrave and Anthony
Sher.
Jack Watling then saved the
day, but the 1974 season ran at a loss.
Miss Dora Cohen, then Chairman of Frinton Theatre, launched a “Save the
Theatre Fund”. This was the birth of
“The Friends of Frinton Summer Theatre”.
Since then the “Friends”
have supported the theatre by supplying front of house staff, encouraging
interest in the theatre, providing essential equipment and scenery.
Each year over £7,000 has to
be raised to pay for the cost of the hire of the hall, insure all the
equipment, storage and replacement of such when necessary. We also have to guarantee against loss,
should the occasion arise.
Approximately half our
income comes from subscriptions and membership donations, the remainder from
our fund raising events which are various.
If you would like any further
information or wish to become a Friend, please feel free to contact the
Chairman, Colin Knights, by email
There is always a warm
welcome to all our events, priority booking of season tickets with a discount
and regular newsletters.