Origins of the Company of Ten and the Abbey Theatre

The Company of Ten was formed in 1934 by 10 young people who had the enthusiasm to set up a drama group, and the determination to try and stage performances to professional standards. The number of people involved grew quickly after that.

After successfully performing in many venues they created their first theatre in 1955, in a small barn at Abbey Mill.

In 1968 they built and opened this new theatre, the Abbey Theatre, after raising more than £40,000 by their own efforts – a huge sum of money in those days – and set it up as a registered charity. Sir Michael Redgrave laid the foundation stone and the theatre was opened by the Queen Mother.

Since then a new construction workshop, wardrobe, studio and foyer extension have been built.

The main auditorium was completely renovated in 2003 to provide more comfort and leg room. The club room was refurbished to current business standards in 2007

There is a rolling programme of maintenance and renewal to keep the theatre and all its facilities up to date.