Stage One Theatre Company was formed in 1992 with the aim to imagine and realise exciting new musicals from aspiring international composers and lyricists as well as established modern productions .

 

Since the group's formation, this high-energy company have had three main objectives. Firstly to combine the distinguished and unique talents of the finest ensemble of local singers, dancers, actors and musicians; secondly to maintain their reputation for artistic excellence, keeping performing arts alive and attainable for everyone and finally, to raise money for a variety of local and national charities which have included the Meningitis Research Foundation, Help For Heroes, Marie Curie Cancer Relief, Macmillan Cancer Relief, Little Haven Children's Hospice and most recently, the Meningitis Trust. Since 1992, Stage One Theatre Company have raised almost £30,000 for charity.

 

Always looking to the future, we are constantly seeking new ideas, new events and indeed, new members - building on our long-established tradition and remaining at the pinnacle of community entertainment and arts in the South East.

 

A BRIEF HISTORY

 

In the Autumn of 1992, a small group of musically minded performers collaborated on a small-scale concert production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, at the St. Thomas More Church (Barking) to raise money for children in Bosnia. While the production was a huge success, (if not a little rough around the edges!) it was only ever intended to be a one off. However, just months later, the cast reformed for another charity production of the same show which would take place at the Campion School (Hornchurch). With a larger cast, set, crew and band, this production would be suitably more impressive.

 

In July of the following year, the group took their next production to their first professional venue; the Queens Theatre (Hornchurch). An ambitious project was discussed and the group's founder, Jai Sepple penned an original rock 'n' roll musical, AND THEN HE KISSED ME. While the production was not a sell-out, it was another success for the group and Stage One Theatre Company was born. The group had quickly taken the world of amateur dramatics by storm and was already winning the hearts and support of the local community. In 1995, Stage One Theatre Company returned to the Queens Theatre with the production that was to secure the group's future; A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT. With the full support of the West End cast and crew and the authors, the production was an overwhelmind success, selling-out for all five performances in the 550-seat venue. Based on it's success, Stage One Theatre Company would follow 'Slice' with a number of sell-out performances at the Queens Theatre and the Towngate Theatre (Basildon); eventually being asked to become the Towngate Theatre's resident performing company.

 

In 2003, Stage One Theatre Company staged their first productions at the Harlow Playhouse (Harlow) and the Kenneth More Theatre (Ilford). Now, almost 20 years and over 50 productions on, Stage One Theatre Company continues to grow in success and popularity, staging 4-5 critically acclaimed musical productions each year.

 

Click here to see a full list of those who have performed with Stage One Theatre Company since the group's formation in 1992 and here for a chronological list of productions.