The Barn Theatre programme at Smallhythe Place

The seventeenth century Barn Theatre at Smallhythe Place

This article was created for our 2019 events programme and is now finished. This charming thatched seventeenth-century barn was transformed into a theatre by Ellen's daughter Edy Craig. Edy was a prolific theatre practitioner herself and in 1929, a year after her mother’s death, Edy opened the Barn Theatre with the intention of holding an annual performance to commemorate her mother’s life.

Over the years, many famous actors have trod the boards here, from John Gielgud to Sybil Thorndike amongst many other leading actors of the twentieth century. The walls of the theatre echo with a theatrical history.  Today the barn is still used for a diverse programme of theatre with a variety of award-winning actors, talks, and exhibitions that take place throughout the year.

Following a sell-out season last year, 2019 is set to be our busiest programme yet. There is so much happening, from theatre and comedy, opera and open-air performances, to events, talks and children’s shows.

In order to fund the transformation of the barn into a theatre, many of Ellen and Edy’s friends and family sponsored a chair; their names are soldered onto the chair backs. These chairs are still used today.
Smallhythe Place theatre interior 2016
In order to fund the transformation of the barn into a theatre, many of Ellen and Edy’s friends and family sponsored a chair; their names are soldered onto the chair backs. These chairs are still used today.

Bring family and friends together and soak up the Barn's theatrical history. Get involved and pre-book your tickets to ensure you don't miss out.

A brand new show from Theatre of Widdershins, with puppets, storytelling and original music. suitable for ages 4 and up.

Hotbuckle return, bringing their inventiveness, humour and unique magic to Brontë’s compelling tale.

Following the huge success of Old Herbaceous, Giles Shenton returns and expertly takies the helm, piloting us through the ridiculous tale of men behaving badly whilst messing about on boats.

A funny, warmhearted and interavtive rustic tale to make the whole family squeal with laughter, bristling with puppets, live music and lots of joining in.

East 15 Acting School present one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies.

East 15 Acting School present a thrilling and original production, Shakespeare with a fresh mind.

Join us for a night of laughter as we dip our toes into the comedy pool.

Following his sell-out 2018 tour, James Hurn is back with his popular one-ma, many voices, celebration of radio comedy classic Hancock's Half Hour.

  • Clean - 29 June, 7.30pm

Follow the stories of seven women living in the Laundry Hill area of Brighton from the 1870's to the 2020s.  

Changeling Theatre bring their magic, energy, beautiful costumes and just a hint of ABBA to this Shakespeare classic.

A celebration of Perry and Croft's quintessential sitcom.

The Summer Theatre Company bring you one of Shakespeare's best loved comedies.

Immersion Theatre proudly bring their trademark energy to their most spectacularly bonkers show to date.

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company bring you a funny, fast-paced and faithful new adaptation.

This “Trivial Comedy for Serious People” is a fast-paced, one-act adaptation that will demonstrate “the truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

A comedic tale of mismatched love across different social classes. A Gilbert & Sullivan Opera, by Opera Anywhere.

A muscially inspired celebration of Charles Dicken's penultimate novel. With comedy, tragedy and original music.

The wonderfully talented Three Inch Fools bring you one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies. A story full of love, misunderstandings and deception.

A collage of promotional images for what's coming to the Banr Theatre in 2019
A collage of promotional images for what's coming to the Banr Theatre in 2019
A collage of promotional images for what's coming to the Banr Theatre in 2019