How It All Began...

Formed in 1944 as part of Torbay Operatic Society, TOADS very quickly grew, and their main season from 1948 took place during the winter at the Babbacombe Theatre. By the1980's it had become financially necessary to stage ten or eleven productions every year, but this caused strain on the society.

Onwards and Upward

At that time, TOADS rehearsed & prepared scenery in two properties in St Marychurch, Toad Hall and Toad Manor. These had become too small for an expanding society so the committee under the direction of the chairman, Roland Lumby, began a search for alternative premises under one roof.

The redundant church in St Marks Road, Meadfoot, became available in 1982. The full potential of St Marks Church soon became apparent and it was unanimously agreed to open negotiations with the church authorities to purchase the church

The Big Transformation!

A conversion scheme was drawn up, then planning consent and listed building approval were obtained to transform the church into a theatre. Although the building had been empty for a relatively short time, a colony of pigeons had taken up residence in the loft, and one in particular was reluctant to leave.

Tenders were received, contractors appointed and construction work undertaken. Redundant seating and lighting was acquired from the Plymouth Hoe Concert Hall and refurbished. This all cost a great deal of money and TOADS Theatre Company embarked on a huge fund-raising campaign. The two properties in St.Marychurch were sold, a giant raffle with a brand new car as first prize was held, and the culmination was a full summer season from June to September 1985 at the Babbacombe Theatre with "A Bedful of Foreigners".

The work was duly completed in 1988 at a total cost of £250,000.