About our theatre
Forthcoming Productions
Links to theatre in Cornwall
Newquay's Lane Theatre
Lane Theatre is owned and operated by Newquay Dramatic Society. We are a Registered Charity (No.280786) and the theatre is run by the members for the benefit of the local community.
Newquay Dramatic Society was founded in May 1931 and we have been presenting plays continuously since that date.
The Society bought the former Lane Village Hall in 1981 and we have been improving and adapting it ever since. In 1999 we received substantial National Lottery funding which enabled us to extend the building and improve facilities both behind and in front of the curtain. We now have an intimate 134 seat theatre of which we are very proud.
We are very grateful to the "Friends of the Cosy Nook Theatre" (alas no longer in existence), Prosper (Devon & Cornwall TEC) and Restormel Borough Council for their assistance.
There is ample free parking, the licensed
"Cosy Nook" bar and amenities for our friends with disabilities including
dedicated parking spaces, ramped access, toilet facilities and hearing loops.
Coffees and ices are available during
the interval.
We are delighted to have Phillip Schofield as an
Honorary Patron.
Eric Chappell writer of television classics such as
"Rising Damp", "Only When I Laugh" & "Duty
Free" has been so impressed with our productions that he has become an
Honorary Patron of the Society. Eric has visited the theatre regularly and attended the dress
rehearsal and opening night of "Summer End" (the second play
in our 2002 Summer Season) and was very pleased with our production of his play (since published by Samuel
French Ltd. who acknowledge Lane Theatre). We are very proud to have
staged the World Premiere of this play which, to Eric's delight, was so well received by our audiences.
Of the cast he said - "They were
magnificent".
BBC Radio Cornwall's Jane Friggins hailed this production as "a major coup
for Cornwall".
In 2004 we staged the World Premiere of "Passing
Strangers". We are very proud of our close association with this
leading figure in English theatre.
Normally we stage four shows a year. In addition to the two plays in our 20 week Summer season we present more serious productions in the Spring and Autumn. When time and circumstances permit we enter a play in the All England Theatre Festival of One Act Plays and in 2001 reached the English semi-final with an original work "Burtenshaw" by local author Larry Faulkner directed by his son David.
2007 has been another very successful year with Lane Theatre
winning no less than six awards in the Cornwall Drama Association Theatre
Festival.
Steel Magnolias was recognised for 'Best Costumes', 'Best Set' and 'Best
Ensemble Performance' whilst Rumours won 'Best Play', 'Best Actor' & 'Best
Director'.
During the run of each show we stage a Charity Performance in aid of local good causes. To date we have raised in excess of £70,000. This is our way of saying "thank you" to the people of Newquay for the support they give to Lane Theatre.
Lane Theatre is owned by and is the trading
name of Newquay Dramatic Society
Registered Charity No. 280786
Non-professional performances
Lane Theatre, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4PX