Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Edward Alderton Theatre on one of their social nights held every Wednesday evening at the theatre which is situated on Brampton Road in Bexleyheath. The friendly bunch chatted to me about the history of the theatre, (some of the current members actually being part of the theatre companies’ history, helping to build it with their very own hands and acting in their first production, “Oh What a Lovely War” in 1976) and what the company means to them.
Although the current home of the Edward Alderton Theatre, next to the Crook Log Leisure Centre was publicly licensed, built and financed in the mid 1970’s entirely by drama students, its history dates even further back than this. The company was actually formed in 1951 under the name “The Brampton Players” however, after being threatened to be thrown out of their then home in the Adult Education Centre the students decided to build their own home out of the remains of a fire station, positioned directly behind the centre. Needing to raise £12,000 the members innovatively attained the funds by selling bricks in the theatre as well as sponsored walks. They transformed an old corrugated iron shed to a space of entertainment with a particular feeling of community spirit and friendliness. The theatre was built over two years and contains an auditorium with a proscenium arch stage and can seat up to 74 audience members, as well as a fully licensed bar. It was named after Mr Edward Alderton, the then Head of Bexley's Adult Education department.
Since then Edward Alderton Theatre has gone from strength to strength, staging over 200 plays, some of them even being original productions. In addition to this, they have received numerous awards over the years, including those for individual acting, best production and technical achievement as well as kick starting the careers of successful actors such as Jude Law who used to attend with his mother.
There are currently around 70 members, ranging from 20- 80 years old who help out with all of the components of running the theatre from acting to front of house and bar duty to building stage sets which adds to the unique feel of the theatre.
Shirley Andrews, one of the members who helped to actually build it back in the 70’s said that it is the “friendly atmosphere” that keeps her coming back and when asked about what makes the Edward Alderton Theatre special she said; “It depends on what you do but everyone mucks in and there’s different roles, I enjoy acting but my husband builds the sets.” Shirley’s husband, Ronald Andrews has been a member for over ten years and commented on the theatre company saying; “There’s such a companionship and nobody here is ever lonely “.
I also was interested in the perspectives of some of the younger members. Louise Ody has been a member for 9 years, starting before she went to study at university and says that it is “such good fun” and “although I went to Northampton for University I kept coming back for social events”. A particular highlight for her is that “you meet people from all different walks of life”.
It is clear the The Edward Alderton Theatre is thriving. The members have a unique comradeship which allows them to produce half a dozen successful stage productions every year. Although only an amateur theatre troupe, it is the friendship and the fact that everyone is willing to take part in all the different roles that need to keep the theatre running that ultimately demonstrate their passion for drama. When I asked Dorothy Holmans, another member who helped to build the theatre what their future plans for Edward Alderton were, she replied; “To stay exactly as it is I hope”.
The next production Edward Alderton Theatre will be holding is “The Weir” which runs from 15th-22nd February 2014. Tickets are £10 and the box office is open now.
You can call 020 8301 5584 between 9am and 9pm for tickets or alternatively visit http://www.edwardalderton.org/bookings.htm
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