Bench Theatre is an award-winning amateur theatre group based at The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, Havant, UK.

For tickets to any Bench show at The Spring, call the box office on (023) 9247 2700

Current Production

Our 2012 season opens with The Seafarer by Conor McPherson.

Christmas Eve in Ireland. Sharky has returned home to care for his blind brother, Richard. Life is as it's always been; they drink, they fight and they gamble. But a debt is about to be collected and a card game will be played where more than the week's beer money is in the balance.

Performances: 21st - 25th February 2012, 7:30pm

Forthcoming Productions

In April, as part of the RSC's Open Stages Project, we are proud to present Cymbeline, by William Shakespeare.

A dark fairy tale of love, lust, intrigue, trust, fidelity and betrayal!

Performances: 19th - 28th April 2012, 7:30pm

In June, again as part of the RSC's Open Stages Project, Bench Theatre are offering a modern new play Love's Labour written by Jacquie Penrose.

The play takes a look beyond the 'happy endings' of three of Shakespeare's comedies, and imagines what these marriages might be like after the celebrations are over and the curtain is down!

Performances: 7th - 9th June 2012, 7:30pm, plus a matinee on Saturday 9th June

Did You See?

Last November, Bench Theatre offered
Steel Magnolias
by Robert Harling.

A beauty parlour somewhere in Louisiana and six Southern ladies face life's toughest challenges. Sparkling, hilarious and witty, this play is a reminder of the human ability to overcome in the face of adversity.

"A thoroughly enjoyable production of a warm-hearted comedy tracing the intricacies of life's rich tapestry of loss, heartbreak, religion and love all executed by a strong accomplished cast." Remote Goat

Bench News

Next Club Nights:

19^thJan, 8pm
Pitching for the Christmas Show 2012

2^ndFeb, 8pm
Voting for the Christmas Show 2012!

Congratulations to all directors, producers, actors and crews for a successful 2011.

We look forward to our 2012 season with: The Seafarer by Conor McPherson, (director Alice Corrigan), followed by RSC Open Stage Initiative:'Cymbeline' (to be directed by Di Wallsgrove).

In July we have Life x 3 by Yasmina Reza (director Pete Woodward); followed by 13 Objects by Howard Barker (directed by Damon Wakelin) in September.

The first draft of the new modern play 'Love's Labour', by Jacquie Penrose is now available. This play will be performed from 7th to 9th June 2012, as part of the RSC's Open Stages project. Members can download a copy here.

Members are gently reminded that membership cards must be offered at The Spring box office when claiming free member ticket(s). These tickets are for the named member only & are not transferable to family and/or friends.

AETF - Congratulations to Mark Wakeman for winning the 'Best Actor' award, playing Ollie Hardy in Lonesome Pine, in April 2011.

The News Guide Awards November 2011: Congratulations to Alice Corrigan, for winning 'Best Amateur Actress' in Daisy Pulls It Off

The Daily Echo Curtain Call Awards 2011 Nominations Congratulations to Volpone for the three Bench nominations:

Frankie Huin-Wah as Mosca."Wonderful. Full of poise, expressive gestures and stage presence."

Terry Smyth as Volpone."Deliciously wicked, terrific stage presence and wonderful poise."

Jeff Bone as director."A strong ensemble production. Great visual humour and skilfully subtle production elements."

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