Hurstpierpoint Players

The Hurstpierpoint Players, and the Hurstpierpoint community, are very fortunate in having their own theatre. Very few amateur societies can lay claim to premises of their own, having to rely on village halls and makeshift stages, not many of which can boast the facilities of a proper theatre. When the Hurstpierpoint Players was formed in 1936, at... another of Hurst's meeting places - The New Inn - they had to use whatever premises were available for rehearsals and performances. Their first production was BIRD IN HAND in 1937, and the venue was the Drill Hall. After 1937, most performances took place in the Parish Room. In 1961 the Players mounted the first of their special summer productions, mainly of Shakespeare, in marquees erected in gardens around Hurstpierpoint. In 1976 The Players bought their own premises, then a general store called Graveleys. The building dates from the 1820's and was originally a non-conformist chapel, but during its lifetime was also a school, and, between the wars, Robins Wine Store. A great deal of work was put into the project by members and friends which resulted in the Players being able to put on their first play in their new theatre - The Players Theatre - in January, 1977.Read More