The Stables is 500 Productions Old!

Just two years before the Stables Theatre celebrates its 50th birthday, in November 2007 it will show its 500th production. The theatre is a greatly loved Hastings institution, with a rich history and reputation for excellent productions, yet it’s run by committed volunteer actors and staff who all do their bit in keeping audiences entertained.

The story of the Stables Theatre and Arts Centre begins with a sadly familiar tune. After more than two centuries in the possession of a wealthy local family and their heirs, in 1956 the old building was condemned by then Hastings Town Council for demolition. Thankfully, it was given a reprieve, and this is how…

Digging back into the history books, The Stables got its name when John Collier, five-times Mayor of Hastings in the early-18th century, decided to convert four cottages standing opposite his residence – Old Hastings House – into a stables and coach house. At the time, the Bourne Stream provided much of the town’s drinking water, and ran conveniently straight past the stables-to-be. Collier lived at Hastings House until he died in 1760, when his home and stables stayed in the family.

It only became redundant as a stable when the age of horse-drawn transport gave way to the motor car and, in 1932, it was sold to be the garage for the Mayor’s limousine. Since then, it has served many purposes: industrial units for local business and even accommodation for a circus elephant! During the Second World War it was used as a firestation, but afterwards fell into neglect. In 1953, derelict and crumbling, its demolition was ordered – but it wasn’t going without a fight. It was the efforts of Hastings Old Town Preservation Society that really saved the building, raising funds from sources far, wide and unexpected to refurbish the lovely Georgian structure with so much potential. The fundraising efforts were supported by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who contributed a piece of silver for sale and Sir Winston Churchill, then Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. A condition of its restoration was that the building should be put to a ‘suitable use’, so when the Hastings and District Theatre Guild (formed in 1949, by amalgamating several local amateur theatrical groups) proposed that the building be converted into a theatre, the Stables Trust Ltd was formed with the much loved Richard (Dick) Perkins as chairman. £15,000 was raised thanks to valiant efforts of its supporters and, in 1957, the work began. Bricks were sourced from the same Ashburnham brickyard that supplied the bricks for John Collier’s building, the original rafters were kept as a feature inside, and nearly all the original roof tiles were rehung.

Despite the pessimism of those who considered the building beyond redemption, on 16th June 1959, The Stables Little Theatre opened with grand ceremony, performed by Sir Ralph Richardson. The opening line-up included a recording of Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, a fanfare sounded by trumpeters, an original production of ‘The Stables 1746 to 1959’, produced by Frank Underhill, and a Gala Performance of ‘The Rose without a Thorn’ by Clifford Bax, presented by Hastings and District Theatre Guild and produced by T.B. Child. It was, apparently, a night to remember.

There have since been two extensions to the building, the first in 1978 with the addition of two art galleries, a larger bar area and a new entrance – the one we know now, facing The Bourne. In 2001 the backstage area was improved and extended, and earlier this year raked seating was installed in the auditorium.

The Stables 500 performances have included the full scope from Greek tragedies to contemporary cutting-edge. From traditional to modern, there have been 20 Shakespeare plays, 23 Alan Ayckbourns, there’s been Ibsen, Pinter, Mike Leigh and Ben Elton – something for everyone. Each year, the theatre produces 11 or 12 plays itself, and hosts productions by other groups too, such as the Phoenix Theatre musicals and Sue Marshall’s Contemporary Dance. There are some ‘professional’ productions, but the vast majority are by volunteer actors doing it for the love of the theatre. In fact, the cleaner is the only paid member of staff in the building!

Peter Mould, who has been a member of the Stables for over 20 years, says: “I love the theatre and, being part of this dedicated am-dram group, I’ve had the opportunity to perform some great roles and to work with many talented actors and directors. Something I can do as an amateur, but the Stables is far from amateur in its productions. A devoted cast of volunteers including back stage and front of house staff are equally enthusiastic in making sure that our audiences enjoy professional class theatre.”

As well as the theatre, the art gallery has a new exhibition each month, including displays of painting, sculpture, ceramics and jewellery.

Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband is the 500th production, running from Friday 16th November to Saturday 24th November (check with the theatre for details). It promises to be a glamorous and sparkling performance, directed by Ann Harpur with a celebrated cast.

And here’s to the next 500 productions!

Photos:
King Lear © Ivan Barnett
Wind-in-the-Willows © Glyn Boyd
Amadeus © Glyn Boyd

The Stables Theatre, The Bourne, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 3BD;
Box office: 01424 423221
www.stables-theatre.co.uk