About The Players

The Players have been actively presenting drama of all kinds in Hurstpierpoint since their first production in 1937, staged at the old Parish Rooms in West Furlong Lane, (now a private home). In the subsequent years the company has produced shows of all types, in a variety of venues, until the 1970s when the Players found their own permanent home by purchasing the old non-conformist chapel/school and retail outlet which became the Players' Theatre that we proudly call home today.

Generally staging four productions a year – April, July, September (during the Hurst Festival) and of course the much-loved Christmas season panto – the Players repertoire includes a wide range of comedy, tragedy, farce, thrillers, monologues, 20th century popular classics and cutting-edge new productions – something for everyone we hope. In addition there have been evenings of one-act plays, revues, cabarets and on two memorable occasions in 1999 and 2017 weekends of non- stop Shakespeare recitals with a huge cast including many well-known local celebrity supporters, helping us to raise the funds for theatre improvements.

Over many years there has been an on-going programme of upgrading the theatre, and our most recent refurbishment (completed before Covid temporarily closed us) was achieved by tireless fund-raising and most generous donations to create a comfortable and atmospheric venue in which to keep the tradition of live theatre thriving. Latest additions include state-of-the-art stage sound and lighting facilities.

Our Logo

Our distinctive logo is based on an initial design by local artist and sculptor John Skelton. Skelton was a nephew and apprentice of sculptor, typographer and artist, Eric Gill.

Other Users of the Players Theatre

In partnership with Hurst Village Cinema, The Players host live broadcasts from The National Theatre and the Kenneth Brannagh Theatre, as part of the National Theatre Live initiative. The Village Cinema also show a broad range of films from around the world - see their website for details of upcoming viewings.

The diverse use of our theatre venue for special events, by touring companies, and visiting artists, has enabled the local community to experience a wider range of live performances than one group is able to produce on its own during a year. The Players very much welcome approaches from other Arts-based companies and organisations who wish to hire the theatre.