Our Story
About Theatrecraft
From a post-war reformation to an award-winning society, Theatrecraft has been part of Herne Bay's cultural life for over seventy-five years.
Welcome
Entertaining Herne Bay since 1948
Theatrecraft is an award-winning amateur dramatic society based in Herne Bay, Kent. Each year we stage three major productions: a play, a musical and Herne Bay's much-loved annual pantomime.
A Play
Drama, comedy and classics that show off our company's range.
A Musical
Big, bold summer musicals, recently Sister Act and Legally Blonde.
A Pantomime
Herne Bay's traditional family panto, on stage every winter since 1957.
Our History
From the William Askew Players to today
Theatrecraft grew from the gap left when The Mask Players, a pre-1939 theatrical group, ceased operating during the Second World War and never resumed. In 1948 the William Askew Players reformed under the Theatrecraft name and have been on stage ever since.
- 1948
On 27 May, the William Askew Players reform as Theatrecraft, chaired by R.A. Addyes-Scott, with Frances Green as first president. The company debuts with The Barretts of Wimpole Street.
- 1953
Having borrowed £30 per production from members in the early years, the society reaches financial independence. The treasurer inherits a balance of £4.17.6, and no further loans are needed.
- 1957
At the request of the Urban District Council, Theatrecraft begins presenting an annual Christmas pantomime, a tradition that continues to this day.
- 1964
Modern musicals join the repertoire, setting the pattern we still follow: a play, a musical and a pantomime each year.
Today Theatrecraft is an award-winning amateur dramatic society, regularly reviewed by NODA (the National Operatic & Dramatic Association) and proud to entertain audiences across Herne Bay and the wider Kent coast.
Our Constitution
Theatrecraft is a member-run society. Our constitution sets out how we're organised: membership, the committee, and how decisions are made.
Download the Constitution (PDF)
Our Approach to Sourcing Creative and Practical Services
As a volunteer-run amateur theatre organisation, we work with limited resources while aiming to support local creatives and maintain high standards. To keep things fair, sustainable, and community-minded, we follow a clear order of preference when sourcing artwork, design, technical help, and other services:
- If a service is essential and we can afford to pay for professional work, we do so. Quality matters, and when a task is critical to a production or the running of the organisation, we prioritise hiring skilled people.
- If paying for a service directly supports local artists, technicians, or the wider community, we aim to do that whenever possible.
- If a fair exchange of skills or resources is possible, we explore trade-based arrangements. Community theatre thrives on collaboration, and mutually beneficial swaps help everyone.
- If someone is willing to volunteer their time or expertise, and the standard meets the organisation’s needs, we gratefully accept.
- If none of the above options are available, we use cost-free alternatives such as stock resources or AI-generated materials for non-essential tasks. These are used only where appropriate and never as a replacement for paid or volunteered human creativity when those options exist.
This framework helps us stay financially responsible while still valuing and uplifting the people who make community theatre possible.
On Our Stage Recently
Recent Productions
- Sister Act
- Blackadder II
- Jack and the Beanstalk
- Priscilla Queen of the Desert
- Legally Blonde the Musical
- Made in Dagenham
