The Rotherham Amateur Repertory Company, About Us

			About The Rotherham 'Rep'
			The Rotherham Amateur Repertory Company, or Rotherham "Rep” as it has become known, is the oldest dramatic society in the Metropolitan Borough, having an unbroken programme of work since 1926. It was formed, and operated, under the name of Northfield Players and its plays were presented in the Anglican Church in Northfield, Rotherham. In 1931, it was decided to widen the scope of its work and adopted the name of Rotherham Playgoers. Premises were hired in Clifton Lane, Rotherham and productions mounted in The Temperance Hall, Wellgate where a regular programme of plays was given. In 1940, a breakthrough occurred when the professional management of the Regent Theatre, Rotherham, invited the Company to present a play twice nightly with a change of programme in mid-week. This venture was well received by the public but an extension of the project was prevented by the outbreak of World War two.
			The Regent Theatre had opened on New Years day in 1894. Known then as the Theatre Royal, it stood on the corner of Howard Street and Nottingham Street close to where the covered Market is today. It closed for refurbishment in 1915 and reopened as a Cinema and Variety Hall called The Royal Picture House. It closed again and was reopened as The Regent Theatre in 1930, and reverted to a variety theatre called the Regent Theatre of Varieties in 1935. From 1941 to 1944 the Company remained in being, but the absence of so many members meant a suspension of play productions. After the War, activities recommenced and it was decided to rename the Company "Rotherham Repertory Company" in order to reflect the work it was trying to achieve.
			From 1944, plays were presented at the Rotherham Assembly Rooms until 1946 when, with the return of members from the forces, it was decided to test public support by hiring the Regent Theatre which had a seating capacity of 1000. In September 1946, "Pride and Prejudice" was presented and in only 6 performances, attracted a total audience of 5,441, which was 91% capacity. Shortly afterwards, the company adopted the policy of presenting all of it's productions at the Theatre, and in 1953 the Company became incorporated under its present name. Sadly, in 1956 the orchestra at the Regent Theatre was given notice and on the 15th June 1957 the Theatre was closed. The last act was Phyllis Dixie in the appropriately named "Goodbye to Striptease". The closure of the Regent Theatre meant a return to the Assembly Rooms, although the Rotherham Borough Council assured local societies that facilities would be provided and had purchased a disused Congregational Church in Doncaster Gate for conversion.
			The building dated from 1867 and opened as a theatre in March 1960, with Sir Lewis Casson performing the opening ceremony. At the invitation of the Council, the Company opened the new Theatre with a two week production of "Pride and Prejudice", and in 1961, Rotherham Rep moved to its new home at the Rotherham Civic Theatre.
			Since that time, the Company has presented a constant flow of productions at the Civic Theatre and latterly at Rotherham's Art Centre. Some of these productions have had a special significance for the Company and also for the Town. "Riches, Rags and Rotherham" was commissioned by Rotherham Borough Council to mark the Centenary of the Borough of Rotherham in 1971. It was written and directed by professional actor, Chris Denys, who also designed and built the set. Over 40 actors involved in what was to be a potted history of the town, looking back over the last 100 years through the eyes of one lady who was celebrating her own centenary. Presented in 2004, "From Rotherham with Love" was another play commissioned by Rotherham Rep, but this time it was subject to a grant being obtained from the Arts Council of Great Britain. With original music by Gavin Egan, it was written by Rotherham born playwright, Neil Duffield, who based it upon a true event, a murder that took place in Rotherham during the 1850s. The story was told through a unique set of letters between William Sykes, transported for manslaughter to Australia, and his wife, Myra, giving a poignant glimpse into the difficulties of maintaining a family relationship across half the world. In 2007, Rotherham Rep embarked on its first joint venture with another performing group. Based on the true story of Grimethorpe Colliery Band before the Pit closure's of 1993, the production of "Brassed Off" was the result of collaboration with Whiston Brass Band, one of the foremost Brass Bands in the area. The production sold 1790 seats, the highest figure since the Company moved to the Civic Theatre. In addition, the company has provided many other entertainments to audiences in a variety of venues around the Borough. Play readings, Murder Mystery evenings, after dinner speaking and one act plays have helped the company to promote its image in the Community. With the same hard work and committment, that image can only get stronger. Here's to the next eighty years.



"Madame, it is sometimes difficult to set a dog on the scent. But once he has found it, nothing on earth will make him leave it. Not if he is a good dog. And I, madame, I, Hercule Poirot, am a very good dog" HERCULE POIROT - Black Coffee by Agatha Christie
Our theatre tickets are sold through the Box office at Rotherham Civic Theatre, Catherine street, Rotherham S65 1EB. Telephone 01709 823621 The Rotherham Arts Centre, Civic Library, Warncliffe street S65 1JH. 01709 823640 Or to book online through the Rotherham Theatres web-site:


		(c) 2008 The Rotherham Amateur Repertory Company Ltd. Created by 'Rep' Members