The Theatre Upstairs Belasis Avenue, Billingham

The Theatre Upstairs has been the home of Billingham Players since 1975. Prior to that the group was based at the ICI Synthonia Club on Belasis Avenue and was called Synthonia Players.

The first production, in January 1975, was Ali Baba. It is still recalled by members who were here at the time as being remarkable for having a live snake in the cast! Since that time we've had quite a few other "animals" such as Bumble Bee, Spider, Maggot, Toad, Rabbit, Rat, Mole - all of them talking and some singing!

Our aim has always been to provide the best quality theatre possible, with a mixture of music, drama and comedy. Many people still associate us with the Old Time Music Hall productions, although we have not staged one since 1993. We perform an average of five productions each season, beginning in October and ending in June. Such productions have included Toad of Toad Hall, Andy Capp, Gypsy, The Importance of being Ernest, Absent Friends, Under Milk Wood and many more.

As well as actors, directors and producers, our members also include people who design and build the sets, light the theatre, run the sound equipment, costume the actors, find furniture and make props - in fact everything that a professional theatre would need - except we do it as a hobby!

We are the only amateur dramatic society in the area to have our own premises. Most of our members will agree that this is a huge advantage, although it can have its problems. We are responsible for the upkeep of the theatre and, since we do not receive any regular financial assistance, we need to ensure that our productions attract both actors and audience.

We are always happy to welcome new members. There's always something to be done even (and sometimes especially) if it's making the coffee or sweeping the floor.

If you would like to support us but are unable to be involved either on stage or behind the scenes, why not become a Patron? As a Patron you will receive regular newsletters which will keep you informed about what's happening and will entitle you to take part in meetings and organised events.