HEADGATE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Headgate Theatre Productions (HTP) was established to ensure that the theatre programme included a wide range of drama to complement the plays produced by our hirers. It is also a means of generating revenue to help run the building.

HTP is rightly proud of its growing reputation which is reflected in positive audience feedback and extensive nominations and awards, as seen at the recent North Essex Theatre Guild Awards.

We aim to attract a diverse and talented range of directors and as a minimum the annual programme will always include a ‘classic’ , a contemporary play, a comedy, and a pantomime.

HTP cast from open auditions, and more details can be found on the specific audition notice for each production. All productions are licensed for amateur performance.

HTP welcome expressions of interest from those who might want to take on backstage, costume or technical roles, act as rehearsal prompts or be involved in prop making/scenic painting.

UPCOMING AUDITIONS

OPEN AUDITIONS: ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS by Richard Bean

Based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni With popular songs from the era and Grant Olding Director…

Continue reading →

OUR FORTHCOMING HTP PROGRAMME

Tartuffe by Moliere. Adapted by Roger McGough

Wed 2nd – Sat 5th April 2025

Directed by Heather Davis

A tale of hypocrisy, intrigue, love and betrayal. A classic play, full of humour and wit. Fast paced and full of physical comedy and dealing with all too familiar issues.

Cast
Madame Pernelle – Helen Kitson
Orgon – Dr Paul T Davies
Elmire – Lucia Fox
Damis – Cameron Jones
Marianne – Annabel Caldwell
Valere – Jamie Glass
Cleante – Paul Reed
Tartuffe – John Roberts
Dorine – Leanne Howard
Loyal – Stuart Williams
Flipote – Lorena Saiano
King’s officer – Chris Austin
Laurent – Kevin Inskip
Maids/servants/ensemble: Christine Smith, Holly Hipwell, Chris Austin, Jamie Glass, Stuart Williams

Click here for more information and to book tickets

The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold

Wed 18th – Sat 21st June 2025

Directed by Elly Kent Johnson

First performed in 1955, The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold, tells the story of the imperious Mrs St Maugham and her granddaughter Laurel, a disturbed child under the care of Miss Madrigal, a governess. Miss Madrigal’s secretive past life is a mystery that is solved during the action of the play. The story also explores the impact of Miss Madrigal on a dysfunctional household, including the put-upon manservant, Maitland, and the unseen but malignant ex-butler living upstairs.

Miss Madrigal – Jayne Sheeran
Maitland – Les Chisnall
Little Lady – Angela Blacklaw
Third Lady – Elizabeth Pickering
Laurel – Maddy Smith
Mrs St Maugham – Sara Green
Nurse – Donna Potter
Olivia – Clare Juliette
Judge – Malcolm Kimmance

Director – Elly Kent Johnson
Assistant Director – George Deadman
Stage Manager – Stephen Peeling
Lighting Design – Mike Sullivan
Costume – Isobel Sullivan
Sound Operator – Liz Fossey

We are still looking for assistance with props, sound design, and programme design, and also need a social media lead for this production. If you are interested and want to find out more about these roles, please email htp@headgatetheatre.co.uk

Click here for ticket information

One Man Two Guvnors by Richard Bean

Wed 8th – Sat 11th October 2025

Directed by Sally Broatch

Audition workshops: 1st and 2nd June 2025

Read through: Monday 5th May 2025

For further information visit https://headgatetheatre.co.uk/news/open-auditions-one-man-two-guvnors-by-richard-bean/

Our Walk Through The World by Ross Howard

Wed 5th – Sat 8th November 2025

Directed by Forest Morgan

Audition workshops: 23rd and 24th June 2025

Check our social media and the News pages on the website for information about auditions coming up for all productions yet to cast.

We welcome interest from performers, directors and those who might help with technical support (lighting, sound, stage management).

PERFORMING

We run open auditions for most Headgate Theatre Productions and tend to audition around 6-9 months in advance of a planned production. All auditions are advertised on our Facebook page, and in our What’s On monthly newsletter, with detailed information – character requirements/rehearsal plan etc. made available on this website.

We endeavour to make the auditions as non-threatening as possible. In certain circumstances we reserve the right to limit the numbers auditioning.

DIRECTING

We welcome expressions of interest from new and experienced directors. Our programme of plays is usually developed from May – October of each year.

Following consideration of proposals by a small sub-committee, directors are allocated a “champion” to ensure that there is good communication, a budget is developed (over which the director exercises significant control) a rehearsal programme is agreed, and technical support is identified.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

The technical support for Headgate Theatre Productions is drawn from our team of volunteers.

We always welcome new people with an interest or skills in lighting, sound, scenic design/painting, costume making or stage management (including making or sourcing props). Preparation for our annual pantomime requires lots of input and usually starts in the late summer. We are open to discussion with students (16+) who need to produce props or items as part of their studies.

To express an interest or find out more about directing or providing technical support for Headgate Theatre Productions, please contact Dawn King dawn@headgatetheatre.co.uk