History

 Journey's beginning...   A local amateur group's first
production at Guildford Borough Hall in 1934, started an era of history in East Horsley which, in years to come, would result in the village having its own theatre.

A local amateur group's first production of Journey's End at the Guildford Borough Hall in April 1934, started an era of history in East Horsley which, in years to come,
would result in the village having its own theatre. The production was such a success that friends encouraged the group to continue performing and, through the enthusiasm of founding local member Donald Chown, the original theatre group was launched, beginning a steady run of shows at the Women's Institute Hall in East Horsley.
 
 Why 'The Nomads'?  

Around the same time that the group was formed, Frank Chown, a local architect and property developer, was building a great deal of property in East Horsley. When a house or a shop was completed, it usually remained empty for some time before it was sold so, until such a time as this happened, the group would use the empty premises for rehearsals. Therefore, they were constantly moving from site to site around Horsley - hence the name 'The Nomads'.

 

After the war, The Nomads returned, this time renting the Barn... it was always hoped that one day this humble home might be converted into a theatre.

 

 

In December 1956, work began... and in April 1957 The Nomads presented their 42nd production - but the first in their own theatre.

 Finding a home...  

After the war, the Nomads once again stepped into the limelight, this time renting the Barn, a precious secret, tucked away behind the Bishopsmead Parade. The building was originally used as a carriage shed by Lord Lovelace of Horsley Towers, and later, as a milking parlour and harness room. When the Nomads first acquired the Barn, it was used for rehearsals and as a scenery store and workshop - the sets being constructed in the Barn and carried to the Women's Institute Hall the night before the show's opening night.
However, it was always hoped that one day this humble home might be converted into the Nomads' very own theatre and in December 1956 work began on building an auditorium adjoining the existing building. Some external help was given but the members were responsible for the majority of the work, which was completed in March 1957. The following month, the Nomads presented Dear Charles, their 42nd production - but the first in their very own theatre.

 
 Growing with the times...  


In 1997, a grant gave The Nomads the unique opportunity to build a high-quality theatre which provided all the facilities needed for their growing range of activities.

 


The theatre is now into its fourth successful year with about 12 productions being staged annually...The building provides excellent facilities... for all to enjoy.

 

We are always looking for new members - come and help us make future history!


By the time The Nomads celebrated their Diamond Jubilee in 1994, the theatre had gained a thriving bar (built in 1981 under the leadership of two dedicated members Doug Benfield and Bim McGuire) which is still standing today and is as much loved and frequented as ever. The group had also become a registered charity, Nomad Players Limited, with their licensees, The Nomads, running the theatrical activities.
In the years that followed, the group were immensely busy with the planning and designing of a new theatre - the one that stands on the site today. Special effort was required to develop a successful National Lottery bid, a grant which gave The Nomads a unique opportunity to develop a building that provided all the facilities needed for their wide-ranging and growing activities. From the outset, the Arts Council had encouraged the group to build a really well-equipped, good quality theatre.

 
 A new era...  
The new theatre is now into its fourth wonderfully successful year with about 12 varied productions being staged annually, alongside which there are numerous club nights, talks, film nights and charity events.
As the Arts Council had hoped, the building provides excellent facilities including a revolving stage and full fly-gallery. The theatre front of house, on-stage and backstage are completely accessible to wheelchairs. Also available are infrared aids for those with hearing difficulties and audio description for those with impaired vision.
All this, and much more besides, is intended to re-affirm The Nomads belief that theatre is for all to enjoy.

 
Nomad Theatre, Bishopsmead Parade, East Horsley, Surrey KT24 6RT - Box Office (automated) 01483 284747