Farnham Rep

ed by professional actors, with volunteer actors taking many of the smaller roles. Volunteers also perform all the support activities such as set construction, publicity, box office, refreshments and front of house. The company was founded by Ian Mullins, the first Artistic Director of the Redgrave Theatre, and started life as the New Farnham Repertory Company, whose main aim had been the reopening of the Redgrave, and its restoration to the people of Farnham. The original Farnham Repertory Company began life before World War II in a converted barn, the Castle Theatre, whose premises are now occupied by the Z**i restaurant. In the late '60s a fund-raising campaign was mounted for a purpose-built theatre in the town. The result was the Redgrave Theatre, which opened in 1973, paid for largely by public subscription. In 1998 the landlord, Waverley Borough Council, closed the Redgrave following financial losses made during its final years when a much-criticised artistic policy failed to impress its regular audience. Without a theatre in Farnham for the first time in over 60 years, Farnham Rep is forced to perform its seasons in a variety of venues, most notably a Grand Marquee set up on various sites around the town, and local churches. While Farnham Rep performs some small scale theatrical productions and one off entertainments at the Farnham Maltings, it is mutually agreed that it is unsuitable for full scale theatrical seasons. The campaign for a theatre in Farnham, new or restored Redgrave, is now being championed by two other groups, Farnham Theatre Association & Performers Together, while Farnham Rep focuses all its energy on producing high quality drama in local venues and at affordable prices. Farnham Rep supports the Farnham Theatre Association, whose mission is to ensure a community theatre flourishes in Farnham. FTA is committed to saving the Redgrave from demolition or, alternatively, to ensure a new and comparable theatre is created. Join FTA's campaign at www.farnhamtheatre.org.uk
Contact FTA via email: [email protected]
Telephone FTA: 0844 412 5771

Farnham Rep supports Performers Together, the new CIC (Community Interest Company), set up to provide benefits or opportunities to individuals, clubs, societies, educational establishments or companies involved in any of the performing arts. They seek to improve any performing arts facility or acquire or build and ultimately manage a performing arts centre in Farnham. For more information please go to: www.performerstogether.org.uk