The Stansted Theatre
Stansted House, Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire, PO9 6DX
Today many people enjoy visiting Stansted Park’s outdoor theatre performances and atmospheric retellings of A Christmas Carol in the House. But nearly a century ago, the 9th Earl of Bessborough, supported by his talented family, built and operated a 200-seater theatre on the Estate with three productions a year.
The cast was made up of friends, family and staff, experienced amateurs and gifted newcomers - former World War One officers, local landed gentry, estate staff and families all had their parts to play. Charabancs ran from Chichester, the Chief Constable lent bloodhounds and constables for one play, costumes came from London, and cast members living at a distance stayed at Stansted Park during the fortnight’s intensive rehearsals.
Shakespeare alternated with a ‘modern’ author like Shaw while Christmas saw a seasonal production. Many local charities benefitted from the plays’ incomes and local and national papers published reviews.
Sadly the theatre burned down during World War Two and although post war it was recreated elsewhere on the Estate by the 10th Earl of Bessborough, its heyday was over. It’s legacy though can be seen in the skills the Bessborough family subsequently brought to the foundation of Chichester Festival Theatre.
Timings & Tours
- Tuesday 16 September:
- 11am-11:45am
Location & directions
Stansted House, Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire, PO9 6DX
- Contact on day:
- Jessica Williams
- Telephone number:
- +442392412265
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Pre-booking for this event is required. Tickets can be booked via Stansted Park's ticketing site.
- Booking website:
- https://stansted-park.arttickets.org.uk/stansted-park/heritage-open-days-the-stansted-theatre-689da5bd5edf2
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 10
- Est. tour duration:
- 45 hour(s)
