About The Caxton Theatre Grimsby
Welcome to The Caxton Theatre, Home of the Caxton Players.
We are the only amateur Theatre Group in Grimsby with its own premises.
The Caxton Theatre Grimsby Description
On February 2nd 1943, The Grimsby Evening Telegraph carried an advertisement for a play performed by the Caxton Players. On the front page was a photograph of a scene from ‘Children to Bless You’. This was the first public appearance by the 'Caxton Players' as a society.
The real beginnings though go further back. Late in 1940, at a time when local dramatic societies and operatic groups had closed down because of the war, three members of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph staff decided to put on a play, to counteract the depression of the times. John Knowles, the advertising manager, two of his staff, Mary Pinion and Sheila Robinson, all with some dramatic experience, and four other newspaper workers became the Telegraph Amateur Dramatic Society.
In February 1943, it was decided by the committee that a new society should be formed, because there were so few members of the Evening Telegraph now left. The name ‘Caxton’ was suggested because of the connection with printing.
The society has continued to thrive since its humble beginnings and is the only society in North East Lincolnshire with its own theatre.
Our auditorium seats 184 people and we produce eight main-house productions per year. These productions last for seven performances – Saturday to Saturday (excluding Sunday), and are produced every six to seven weeks.
A reading of the play normally takes place 14-16 weeks before opening night, where normally anyone can come along and listen to the play being read by current members. At the end of the reading, audition pieces are available to take away to prepare for the auditions, which take place a few nights later.
Auditions take place in front of a casting panel of three directors, one of which will be the director of the play concerned.
Rehearsal periods last about 12-13 weeks before opening night. The number of rehearsals you will be required to attend depends on the size of the part you have. The director will draw up a rehearsal schedule at the beginning so you will know when you are required.
As we always have at least two plays in production at any one time, the first period of rehearsals take place in our rehearsal rooms (Burnetts) next door to the theatre in Strand Street. Then immediately after the preceding play finishes rehearsals move to the actual stage until opening night.
We also put on smaller productions, normally for two or three nights, in the bar area – the Novartis Suite. Rehearsals for these productions vary, depending on the director and cast involved. There is not normally a reading or auditions for these productions.
We hope the above information gives you a taste of our society.
WHEELCHAIR USERS
Dedicated seats for wheelchair users and their companions are available for each night of a production. However, in the final week before opening night, or if a performance is sold out, these seats will be made available to the general public so please book early if you require this facility.
CURTAIN UP
We ask that members of the audience are in their seats by 7. 30 p. m. otherwise, if the play has begun and the lighting is turned down, you may have to wait for a suitable opportunity before out front of house staff can allow you safe access to your seat.
Reviews
Tonight we see Private Peaceful take the stage. There are only a handful left for tonight's performance and about 20 for Saturday. Tears were shed at the dress rehearsal last night, a real poignant piece of theatre and only £5 a ticket. The box office will be open so you can also come along and book your tickets for the next main stage production at the same time 😉🎟️ #supportlocaltheatre
Not theatre related in the slightest but I had to share as it took me a while to figure out what they actually were 😜
Some rehearsal pictures of Private Peaceful. There are only 34 seats left across both nights.
www.caxtontheatre.com
One of the nights for Private Peaceful has gone limited availability! There are only 45 tickets each night so they really are limited. Get them while you can.
Www.caxtontheatre.com
In a weeks time John Ferguson will take on the role of Private Peaceful, a stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's novel. A funny and emotional piece of theatre, it is well worth a ticket. Check out the trailer below.
Www.caxtontheatre.com
Tomorrow night sees this month's KITT night in the form of Quiz Night. Only £1pp to cover snacks provided. Come along and see if you can pit your wits. Open to all. Entrance via Strand Street entrance at the back of the theatre.
Coming up at the Caxton Theatre this month...
See www.caxtontheatre.com for more details
We say a huge congratulations to Jack Scott on his main stage debut, Holmes and the Ripper, but the set has already been dismantled, exorcised and the Ripper has been laid to rest. It is now well on its way to becoming a stage that will take you across the globe with Around the World in 80 Days.
This is a public service announcement 📢
There are only 14 seats available for tonight's final performance of Holmes and the Ripper. I've got mine, do you have yours???
Do you ever wonder what we do when you're enjoying the first act of a play? Well this week we've had some evac chair training.
Don't forget, tonight is your last night to see Holmes and the Ripper down at the theatre. Once it's gone it's gone! Only 21 seats left
Www.caxtontheatre.com
We often get asked whether someone can film a performance or take pictures during a production. The answer is always going to be no. Filming a performance requires a different type of license and incurs extra costs to the theatre. Photo taking can be off putting to the cast and spoil the enjoyment of the production for other members of the audience. In some cases, there may also be child protection concerns, the theatre has a duty of care to its child actors and they too have to have a license to act. Please be always be responsible and a nice audience member 😊
Unfortunately this production has now been cancelled due to lack of interest. Those people who have already purchased tickets will be contacted to receive a refund.
REASON 101 to buy your tickets early: small companies like this rely on sales to actually put on their performances.
Tell us... What is your favourite day to visit the theatre? Drop us a comment telling us why in the comments too 😜
Tonight sees us halfway through our main stage run but did you know we also have touring companies that visit our theatre? Next week we have High on Harmony visiting us. Check out their website for more info and you can book tickets through our website www.caxtontheatre.com
Celebrate getting through Monday tonight by grabbing yourselves a ticket to Holmes and the Ripper. Reviews from the past two nights have been amazing. It really is one you don't want to miss!
A couple of months ago we ran a poll asking you if you knew if we had secure parking or not. WE DO!! From comments I've heard this week it seems people still do not realise and it is a reason they do not come to the theatre.
Orwell Street car park is manned by the theatre during productions. A security guard is there for the whole time the performance is running, you might not see him as he may be sat in his own car. Last night I went to the car park a couple of times and I saw him walking up and down every time. Free parking applicable from 6pm
Please share this information, it is amazing how many people do not know this!