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Explore Our History

Frinton Summer Theatre, located in Frinton-on-sea, was founded in 1934. The company is the oldest surviving ‘weekly’ Summer Repertory Theatre company in England. The company produces a season of eight productions each year during July and August. 

 

Theatre practices like that of Frinton Summer Theatre remain popular within UK theatre communities, continuing to give first jobs to graduating drama students.  

 

In 2019, Sir Ian McKellen brought his one-man show ‘Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others and you’ to Frinton Summer Theatre. 

Learn about the history of the Frinton Summer Theatre

Learn more

You can learn more about our 80 year history in 

Frinton Summer Theatre: 80 Glorious Years

by Jacey Dias

You can purchase your copy from our box office shop at Connaught Avenue.

Or from the front of house when you next visit. 

Frinton has seen the early career launch of actors such as Michael Denison, Vanessa Redgrave, Antony Sher, Neil Dudgeon, Owen Teale, Nickolas Grace,  Jane Asher, Julian Fellowes and Lynda Bellingham.

Actors such as John D Collins, Jack Watling, Giles Watling and Patrick Mower have walked the boards at Frinton, and in 2019, Sir Ian McKellen brought his one-man show 'Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others and you’ to Frinton Summer Theatre.

Old Books

ARCHIVE

Explore our history through our extensive archive.

With over 80 years of programmes, posters and photographs you can gain an in-depth insight into our theatre. 

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