Calling experienced or aspiring playwrights! Our short play competition, now it's 14th year, is now open for entries.. We are looking for short plays, 10-20 minutes long. Chosen entries will be assigned to directors and presented at the theatre in October. This is your chance to get your work staged. Deadline for applications: 14 April 2019 - we [...] Read more
News
Marking the centenary of the Armistice: Birdsong
~ Nov 8, 2018
"No child or future generation will ever know what this was like. They will never understand." Birdsong, which marks the centenary of the Armistice, opens at Progress Theatre tonight (Thursday 8th November 2018) at 19:45. Directed by Steph Dewar, the play runs from 8 to 17 November, and tells the story of Stephen Wraysford (Charlie West), a [...] Read more
Progress Theatre Shop opens for business
~ Nov 8, 2018
It's that time of the year again when we realise that we should really make a start on the Christmas shopping. But who really enjoys trecking through the crowds of shoppers in search of a festive pair of socks for Uncle Jim? Look no further, because the Progress Theatre Shop is now open for business! Offering a range of beautiful branded clothing [...] Read more
The smallest twine may lead me...
~ Jul 13, 2018
Paul Gallantry, who plays Leonato in our open air production of Much Ado About Nothing, imagines its first reading... It’s October 1598, and the boys are back in town. Away they’ve been, touring the counties outside of London, stopping for the night in courtyards and inns, putting on plays, while the capital has slumbered and dreamt through the [...] Read more
On the Verges of a Progress debut
~ Jun 11, 2018
Juliet England on her first experience with the group as we prepare to bring Much Ado About Nothing to Reading Abbey ruins .
WriteFest winners 2018
~ May 23, 2018
After a very strong round of submissions the WriteFest judging panel has selected the following for performance at Writefest, in October 2018. Anything I Can Do by Bethan Perkins. Dog on a Beach by John R. Goodman. EKHO by Erica Evans. Four Meals by Paul Houghton. The Midnight Snack by Dan Clarke. Pot Plants by Jenny Williams. Weight of Words by [...] Read more
Adult Acting classes, Summer 2018
~ May 19, 2018
In a new departure for Progress Theatre, we will be offering day-time adult acting classes this summer, in conjuction with Rachel Mary, co-leader of Progress Youth Theatre. What’s on offer? CURTAIN CALL - Mondays 10.30 am - 12 pm For Older/Retired/Semi-Retired Adults, All Abilities A welcoming space for older adults to connect and enjoy exploring [...] Read more
Foley artistry on stage for Premieres
~ May 1, 2018
Co-director Matthew Whitney tells us about the unsusual approach to sound effects used in our production of Recovery Position, one half of this year's Progress Premieres. Why Foley? When looking at the original script of Recovery Position it resembled a monologue with a lot of sound effects. The sounds are integral to Francis’ inner world, whether [...] Read more