About Us
The Company was formed in 1948 by a dozen or so enthusiasts, most of whom had some experience on the amateur stage, and was originally called The Little Theatre Club.
The original intention was to present shows in a modest way for charities, but within a few months it was learned that, owing to a cancelled booking, it was possible to hire the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, for a week. And so, in December 1949 the first LTC production was staged – “No No Nanette”. Since then, the company has presented over 150 productions.
Little Theatre Company celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019, and with a reputation for bold staging and award-winning performances it’s no wonder many alumni have gone on to forge successful careers in theatre and entertainment, including company president Gemma Craven, actor and presenter Lee Mead, Mark Cotgrove aka jazz musician Snowboy, and Hana Stewart who is currently starring in West End musical ‘Six’.
Little Theatre Company is fundraising in partnership with Equal People Performing Arts (EPPA); a fully inclusive performing arts centre with an ethos to provide a safe and dignified space where disabled and non-disabled children and adults can work together in all aspects of the performing arts.
Upcoming Events
24 - 25 August 2024
Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway and West End musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway and West End production.
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humour, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!
6 - 9 November 2024
Whistle Down the Wind revolves around the time and place where the word teenager was invented.
Swallow, a 15 year-old-girl growing up in America’s deep South in the fifties, discovers a mysterious man hiding out in a barn. When she asks who he is and the first words he utters are “Jesus Christ,” it’s as if all her prayers have been answered. Swallow and the town’s other children vow to protect the stranger from the world that waits outside ... the townspeople who are determined to catch a fugitive hiding in their midst.
As fantasy and reality collide, Swallow is torn between the two and begins to discover who she is and where she is going.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive score combines hauntingly beautiful love songs and explosive rock music, with lyrics by acclaimed Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler songwriter Jim Steinman. It features “No Matter What,” which was covered by Boyzone, hitting number one in 18 countries.
Whistle Down the Wind contrasts the relentless influence of the modern world with the traditional values of the old days. Something which the community at its heart yearns to return to.
28 - 31 May 2024
Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a world-wide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written including "Tomorrow".
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find her parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Annie is the perfect family-friendly musical.
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Tickets on sale from Autumn 2024.
3 - 6 December 2024
A title known the world over, Elf The Musical is a must-produce holiday musical that can easily become an annual tradition for any theatre. Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney's Aladdin On Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).
Buddy, a young orphan mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and his step-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
This modern day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
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Tickets on sale from Spring 2025