Belfrey Theatre
About-Us

A short history of the theatre and what we do.

A Short History

The building that is now the Belfrey Theatre was originally part of the Prince's Street Infants School. Josie Grant, the guiding light of the Wellington Theatre Company (established in 1939) was keen to find a permanent home for the company having produced plays at various venues in and around Wellington, including: The Grammar School, Old Hall and Charlton Arms Hotel.

After the Prince's Street School closed, the Belfrey Arts Trust was established and purchased the buildings from the Local Authority for just £1. Legend has it that the Belfrey name was taken when Jose said of the project “I must have bats in my belfry”. History is unclear as to who made the spelling mistake that turned “Belfry” into “Bellrey”.

The Wellington Theatre Company is a self-funding registered charity that rents the theatre from the Belfrey Arts Trust, itself a registered charity and registered company set up to manage the Arts Centre.

It receives no financial support from any other organisation or government body. The running costs of the theatre and all its performances are met through box office receipts, bar sales, raffle etc.

All the people who carry out the many tasks it takes to run this theatre are unpaid volunteers.


Joining the Theatre
Membership Costs per year: Full: £20.00 (Single employed person) Joint/Family: £30.00 (Two people sharing the same home) Joint Family Concession: £15.00 (Two people sharing the same home) Concession: £10.00 (Student, unemployed or pensioner) The rehearsals usually take place each Tuesday and Thursday evening between 7:00pm - 9:00pm.

Activities
Do you enjoy live Theatre? Then why not take an active part? Whether you're interested in Acting, Singing, Dancing, designing and building scenery, helping with Costumes, Properties, Lighting & Sound effects or any other aspects of Theatre, you'll be made very welcome. We always welcome new members to The Wellington Theatre Company at The Belfrey Theatre and there is always so
much to do! We are always looking for new Members to take part in Productions and perform on our stage, so don't be shy - if you want to get involved, simply have a chat with any Belfrey member who will be delighted to talk to you. On Stage, Backstage, Front Of House. . . there is always plenty to do.

Alternatively, email us or see under Youth Theatre heading for youth theatre enquiries.