The Playhouse

Specialties

The Sleaford Playhouse was restored to a working Theatre in 2000 and continues to produce top class performances for Sleaford and the local area.

The Playhouse is run by a group of trustees who are members of Sleaford Little Theatre. The Playhouse is run entirely by volunteers. The aim of the theatre is to bring great entertainment of all genres to the people of Sleaford and surrounding area.

History

Established in 2000.

The Playhouse was restored to a working Theatre in 2000 and has had a varied history. Originally built as a theatre, it was subsequently adapted for a variety of other uses to meet the demands of the time, and is now once more being used for its original purpose.

The Playhouse was built in 1825 for Joseph Smedley (bookbinder, printer and stationer — and comedian), who had purchased the land and surrounding tenements for £700. Smedley successfully managed the Playhouse as a theatre for several years. He owned a string of theatres from Kings Lynn around the Wash to Sleaford and ran a small touring theatre company, which toured these theatres in the Lincolnshire and Norfolk area.

In January 1841, after a relatively quiet time with poor attendances at the theatre, Smedley sold the Playhouse to John Hyde (watchmaker) of Sleaford. Hyde managed the Playhouse and succeeded in attracting a variety of acts to Sleaford, including magicians, comic singers and touring theatre companies.

Meet the Manager

David M.

Manager

David is a trustee of Sleaford Little Theatre whom maintain and manage events at the Theatre. David is currently to Playhouse Manager and ensures all day to day tasks are carried out.

The Playhouse also recommends

Chattertons Solicitors

Lawyers

David M. says,

«Chattertons have been a tremendous help to us by selling tickets for our productions. They have a very friendly team.»