WELCOME TO AN ONLINE HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE

Stoke Repertory Theatre - original artwork copyright John Collier

Stoke Repertory Theatre (1933 - 1997)

The original Rep theatre was situated at St Jude's Parish Hall on College Road in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent. The building was officially opened in 1933 by Sir Percival Heywood and was the home of Stoke Repertory Players until it closed in the summer of 1997.

This website charts the history of the building during this period and pays tribute to the origins of this legendary venue.

A huge thank you to the many people who have so willingly shared their time and memories to make this project possible.

In particular, I am indebted to Rep archivist and Players photographer Peter Croft.

John Collier

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A Brief History

1879 - St. Jude's Parish Hall opens

as a mission church to meet the spiritual needs of the growing population of the Shelton suburb of Stoke-on-Trent.

1933 - Stoke Repertory Players are offered a three year lease on the building. It takes the company just three months to turn it into a 200 seat theatre.

1939-45 - the theatre survives throughout the Second World War with proceeds from 'When We Are Married' (1940) going to the Red Cross.

Spring 1953 - a fire breaks out two weeks before the Players stage 'Young Wives Tale'. The production goes ahead as planned due to the dogged determination of the members.

1961-62 - for a brief period The Rep is the only permanent theatre in the local area. This is due to the closure of the Theatre Royal in Hanley and before the opening of the Victoria Theatre in Hartshill.

July 1972 - Welsh playwright Emlyn Williams presents his one man show with proceeds from the performance going to the Douglas Macmillan Care Home in Blurton.

July 1976 - the building is purchased by the Players and a limited guarantee company is formed for the purpose of holding the theatre site.

Late 1970s/early 1980s - several improvements are made to the building including the renovation of the roof, a new toilet block, replacement stage curtain and auditorium carpet, new central heating and the installation of emergency lighting.

March 1983 - the Repertory Players celebrate fifty years of productions at the site with a Gala Night for patrons and members.

1984-85 - the theatre boasts a new foyer, cloakroom, licensed bar, improved dressing rooms and an updated coffee bar. The auditorium has a face lift with new carpeting and a complete redecoration.

1997 - The Players vacate the building and move to a brand new theatre on Leek Road.

Present day - the building is currently home to the Makki Masjid Mosque.