Caxton Theatre

The Caxton Theatre is a community theatre and amateur dramatic society based in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, England. It traces its origins to late 1940, when three staff members of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph — advertising manager John Knowles, Mary Pinion and Sheila Robinson — formed the Telegraph Amateur Dramatic Society to stage plays during the Second World War, when many local dramatic and operatic groups had closed. In February 1943 the committee decided to establish a new society, and the name 'Caxton' was chosen because of its connection with printing. The first public appearance of the 'Caxton Players' as a society was advertised in the Grimsby Evening Telegraph on 2 February 1943, with a photograph of a scene from 'Children to Bless You' on the front page. The society has continued to thrive and is described as the only society in North East Lincolnshire with its own theatre. Its auditorium seats 174 people. The theatre produces eight main-house productions per year, each running for seven performances from Saturday to Saturday (excluding Sunday), with productions staged every six to seven weeks. The production cycle includes a public reading of the play normally 14–16 weeks before opening night, followed by auditions in front of a casting panel of three directors, one of whom directs the play concerned. Rehearsal periods last about 12 weeks. Beyond main-stage productions, the Caxton Theatre hosts readings and auditions, a Studio Bar, a YouTube channel, and outside bookings. The theatre's website provides ticket information and listings for upcoming shows. It remains an active part of Grimsby's cultural life, offering opportunities for local performers and audiences.

The Caxton Theatre's history begins in late 1940, during the Second World War, when local dramatic societies and operatic groups in Grimsby had closed down. Three members of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph staff — advertising manager John Knowles, Mary Pinion and Sheila Robinson — all with some dramatic experience, joined with four other newspaper workers to form the Telegraph Amateur Dramatic Society. Their aim was to put on a play to counteract the depression of the times. In February 1943, the committee decided that a new society should be formed because so few members of the Evening Telegraph remained. The name 'Caxton' was suggested because of its connection with printing, a nod to the newspaper origins of the group. On 2 February 1943, the Grimsby Evening Telegraph carried an advertisement for a play performed by the Caxton Players. The front page featured a photograph of a scene from 'Children to Bless You'. This was the first public appearance by the 'Caxton Players' as a society. The society continued to thrive. It is now the only society in North East Lincolnshire with its own theatre. The auditorium seats 174 people. The theatre produces eight main-house productions per year, each running for seven performances from Saturday to Saturday (excluding Sunday), staged every six to seven weeks. A reading of the play normally takes place 14–16 weeks before opening night, where anyone can come along and listen to the play being read by current members. Audition pieces are then available, and auditions take place a few nights later in front of a casting panel of three directors, one of whom will direct the play. Rehearsal periods last about 12 weeks. The theatre also hosts readings and auditions, operates a Studio Bar, maintains a YouTube channel, and accepts outside bookings. It remains an active community theatre in Grimsby.

• 1943

  In February, the committee decided to form a new society; the name 'Caxton' was chosen. On 2 February, the Caxton Players made their first public appearance with 'Children to Bless You'.

• 1940

  Telegraph Amateur Dramatic Society formed by Grimsby Evening Telegraph staff.

Community theatre and amateur dramatic society

• Main-house productions (eight per year)

• Studio Bar

• YouTube channel

• Outside bookings

1. 1Caxton Theatre official websitecaxtontheatre.com
2. 2Caxton Theatre About Uscaxtontheatre.com
3. 3Wikidata: Caxton Theatrewikidata.org