OASTHOUSE THEATRE - 50 years young!
Some people might say that the Oasthouse Theatre is Rainham’s best kept secret! Many residents of Rainham are not even aware that they have a theatre right on their doorstep and if they are aware many think we are based at the Community Centre by the station. However, for the past 50 years the Oasthouse Theatre, tucked away in Stratford Lane off the High Street (almost opposite lvy Street) has been the home of the Rainham Theatrical Society.
This intimate theatre, housed in a Grade ll listed building, seats just 72 people and offers a wide variety of drama, comedy and variety. The Rainham Theatrical Society (or the RaTS as they are more fondly known) were founded back in I948 and used to perform in St Margaret’s Hall, Orchard Street and the Co-op Hall, both of which have since been demolished. Early in l96l agreement was reached for the group to perform in the newly opened Rainham Library but this was not deemed viable. However, a few months later, Mary Hopkins (who was the secretary of the group) saw an advert in the local paper announcing that part of an Oasthouse in Stratford lane was for sale.
The Oasthouse belonged to local landowner and farmer, Jack Clark and part of it was still being used as a working Oast (this continued until the late 70s). The group had always dreamed of owning their own theatre and now they had a chance to turn that dream into a reality! After discussions with the owner the group decided to take on the task of converting the Oasthouse into the ‘First Oasthouse Theatre in the World’. Initially lack Clark gave the group the building rent free and they held a series of fundraising events to help with the renovation. Monthly subscriptions were 2s.6d so members were asked to buy a lino tile for 2s.6d to help raise more funds. They even had their name engraved on it for posterity!
In June 1962 outline planning permission was granted by Gillingham Borough Council and it was full steam ahead. However, there was a minor set back when Jack Clark asked the group for a weekly rental of £5. This did not deter them and they continued to work day and night (often into the small hours) on the conversion and fundraising to help pay for the rent and building costs. They obtained some lighting and carpets from the Globe Theatre in Chatham and some seating from the local naval barracks canteen. Finally after months of hard work the theatre was ready to open the doors to the public for the first time! The opening took place on 8th November I963 with a production of ‘Billy Liar’.
A specially invited audience included Cllr Michael Lewis (who is still an honorary member today), William Poulton, President and Irene Weller who performed the opening ceremony and cut the 2 tier cake. Brenda Pearson (who is still an active member of the society) was the first person to appear on the stage playing the part of Grandma. As the curtain opened, a ripple of applause ran through the tiny auditorium marking the achievement of the society’s dream.....and the rest is history!
Dean Caston
