About The Society

The society was formed as part of Torbay Operatic Society in July 1944, and performed their first plays, "I Have Been Here Before" and "Ladies in Waiting" in December of that year. These productions, at The Assumption Hall, were for one night only, but proved to be so successful that Torquay Corporation invited the newly formed company for a week's engagement at The Pavilion Theatre. This production of 'Quiet Wedding' was followed by further performances in The Pavilion and also at St Luke's Hall until, in 1946, 'Dear Octopus' brought the first financial success.

At about this time The Concert Hall, later known as The Babbacombe Theatre, was vacated by the Canadian Air Force. Toads procured the lease, moving in and opening for business in October 1946. The programme expanded as its popularity grew, until by 1950 membership had risen to 2,000 when the Theatre Club was launched. The years passed and milestones were reached - the 100th production was in 1957 and the 250th in 1973.

Where There's a Will, There's a Way...

As with any growing enterprise, difficulties abounded and facilities for rehearsal, and scenery and costume storage were sadly inadequate, many having to be held in disparate buildings. The society, now a separate entity from the Operatic Society, dreamed of being able to house all the multiplicity of equipment required by a thriving theatrical society under one roof.

In 1982 this dream took shape when the redundant church of St Mark's Meadfoot was put up for sale. This building could not only provide ample storage, but could also be converted into an auditorium. The sale was agreed and the building converted.

Great Expectations

The company's latest landmark production was the one hundredth play to be presented at The Little Theatre. 'It Could be Any One of Us' by Alan Ayckbourn, Britain's most performed living playwright, was performed from 18th to 22nd of June 2002. Since 1946 the Company has continued to grow until today The Little Theatre is one of the major venues for smaller theatrical presentations in the Southwest.

The Company has an acting membership of 130 and almost 1,000 Theatre Club Members. The auditorium is in great demand, being used not only for the resident company, but also by visiting societies and well-known entertainers from the professional stage.

The theatre now offers a wide range of performance-based entertainment, ranging from plays to poetry, from dance to drama, from Music Hall to musicals! There is a long run in the summer for the visiting holidaymakers, and a full programme throughout the year including a family-orientated show in December.