| 1960’s |
The Victorian school buildings previously occupied by Haywards School became available, and was transformed into a well-equipped ‘black box’ drama studio to be used as an experimental theatre space by local schools, education students and other organisations. |
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| 1970’s |
Peter Hamilton, Head of Drama at the then Queen Elizabeth School was appointed by Devon CC as Community Drama Tutor, to work with young people and adults. |
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| 1983 |
Colway Theatre Trust chose Crediton as the venue for one of its Community Plays. “Today of All Days”, was specially written by John Downie and ran for 14 nights with a cast of 120, re-energising many of the town’s arts organisations, such as the Town Band, and also leading to the formation of the Brown Paper Bag Theatre Company. |
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| 1992 |
The Drama Centre was formally instituted as a charity with Peter Hamilton as its Director. Theatre productions continued as well as the introduction of classes and workshops in every aspect of the arts. |
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| 1995 |
The first of 8 biennial large-scale outdoor productions of Shakespeare plays in the Town Council car park in the centre of Crediton, with a specially erected 400 seat auditorium. More recently these have been staged in the new Town Square. |
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| 2000 |
Creation of the Millennium Amphitheatre at Shobrooke Park, in conjunction with the Shelley family, to host festivals, plays, music and film. |
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| 2003 |
Major project with Crediton Fire Service celebrating the work of local retained fire fighters, which led to a large piece of theatre and the publication of a book 'Fire Fire’. |
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| 2004 |
The Drama Centre took the decision to acknowledge the broadening of its base by becoming Crediton Arts Centre, a charitable trust managed by a Board of Trustees and an Administrator. |
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| 2005 |
Under the leadership of artists with national reputations, nine new stage plays were written and performed by new writers, directors and actors, leading in 2007 to twelve new radio plays being created and performed. |
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| 2009 |
A grant from Devon CC enabled the creation of a new foyer, designed by award-winning local architect, David Treadaway. |
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Foyer before
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Foyer after
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| 2010 |
In addition to grants from national and local funding bodies, a Business Partnership scheme was initiated. We are grateful for the support of 6 local businesses: Ashgrove Kitchens Ltd; Peck & Strong; Richie’s Bistro; Tuckers Country Stores; Veitch Penny Solicitors; Wortham Jaques, as well as the Lions Club of Crediton and the Rotary Clubs of Crediton. |
