Nestled in an ex-military hut, in the middle of Donnington, is a precious community theatre, which is celebrating 70 wonderful, dramatic – and melodious – years.
Built during the Second World War, ‘The Little Theatre’ possesses a colourful past. Before finally being converted into a theatre by Units of Donnington Garrison and the drama enthusiasts, the building was used as a gymnasium, shooting range, store house and lecture hall – all part of the wartime COD Donnington complex, which opened in May 1940. Within this small venue a number of societies, with names such as: The Cascades, The Estateers and The Orpheus Society used both amateur and professional talent to perform concerts, shows, pantomimes and plays. In the early 1950’s, however, they came together and called themselves Donnington Garrison Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society and their first production was ‘The Light of Heart’ in 1952. Finally, in January 1954, The Little Theatre was born with the first show being the pantomime Robinson Crusoe. Their first Gilbert and Sullivan show, The Mikado, debuted 5 years later in 1959 and some of that cast are still active members today.
