The Little Theatre

A home for the Leicester Drama Society

Founded in 1922 after a meeting in the Turkey Café, the Leicester Drama Society staged its first productions at The Royal Opera House (Silver Street) and then the Association Hall (now The Y Theatre). The Society moved here to this former Baptist Chapel in 1929, opening the theatre in 1930.

Richard Attenborough´s acting roots

Many actors have appeared here over the years including the playwright John (Joe) Orton in Shakespeare´s Richard III (1948). Undoubtedly the most famous is Richard Attenborough (1923-2014) who made his acting debut at The Little Theatre playing Lucius in Shakespeare´s Julius Caesar in 1937. He was also coached here for his Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) audition by Moyra Haywood, the theatre manager. Richard never forgot his acting roots at the Little Theatre, later accepting the position of Honorary Life President of Leicester Drama Society.

Richard Attenborough as Lucius (lute player) in 1937. Little Theatre Archive

Bringing the house down (almost!)

During World War II an incendiary bomb fell on the theatre roof but was bravely extinguished with a stirrup pump by the theatre manager, Moyra Haywood. During the war Lieutenant “Jimmy” Clifton James appeared here with the Army Pay Corps. His impersonation at The Little Theatre of Field Marshall Montgomery, whom he resembled, led to his being sent to various theatres of war to mislead the Germans as to “Monty´s” whereabouts. He later appeared as himself in the film I was Monty´s Double.

A serious fire in 1955 led to a major rebuild, resulting in the excellent facilities the theatre enjoys today. The theatre stages plays from its resident amateur theatre company as well as hosting professional acts. Judi Dench, Lesley Garrett, Lee Mack and Michael McIntyre have all appeared here.

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