The heart of the Louth Playgoers Society.
Welcome to our Purpose, Vision & History page, a space dedicated to sharing the heart and soul of our theatre. Here, you’ll find an in-depth look at our purpose, the driving force behind everything we do, from the shows we choose to produce to the community events we host. Our purpose is centred on inspiring, entertaining, and connecting people through the transformative power of theatre.
Our vision represents our aspirations for the future: a theatre that is accessible, welcoming, and a vibrant cultural hub in our community. We strive to create a space where creativity flourishes, where every performance leaves a lasting impact, and where everyone feels a sense of belonging and excitement.
In our History section, you’ll discover the story of how it all began, from our modest beginnings to the theatre we are today. Shaped by the dedication of passionate volunteers, talented artists, and enthusiastic audiences, our journey is one of growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the arts. We’re proud to be a part of this community’s rich cultural tapestry and look forward to many more seasons of storytelling and connection.
Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we invite you to be a part of our story as we continue to evolve, inspire, and bring the magic of theatre to life.
Our Purpose:
This defines the reason for our existence. It reflects our commitment to bringing the arts to life for everyone in our community, inspiring joy, connection, and understanding through the transformative power of theatre. Every show, event, and programme we undertake is rooted in this purpose, reminding us of the positive impact we can have on the lives of our audience, members, and community.
To promote the advancement and implementation of general education in relation to all aspects of the art of drama and the development of public appreciation of such art, together with the advancement of all other forms of the arts and the development of the appreciation of the public.
Our Vision:
This is our aspirational view of the future, a future in which Louth Riverhead Theatre is a thriving cultural centre where everyone feels welcome and connected. Our vision pushes us to dream big and continuously grow, setting a standard of excellence, creativity, and inclusivity. It helps us stay focused on our long-term goals, guiding our decisions as we strive to expand our reach, diversify our programming, and make the arts accessible to all.
Together, our purpose and vision serve as the foundation of our organisation, uniting us in a common goal and inspiring every member of our theatre family to contribute to something meaningful. They are essential to ensuring that everything we do resonates with our mission and leaves a lasting impact on our community.
Louth playgoers recognise that we are in a unique position to contribute to the cultural and social welfare of Louth and surrounding communities.
We aim to support this by:
Developing and promoting appreciation of the arts by the provision of facilities for the education and recreation of the public in the fields of art, music, and drama.
Contributing to the quality of life of the people in the local community through the provision of exciting, challenging and accessible events.
Increasing accessibility and removing barriers to engagement with and participation in the Arts for the whole community.
"If you can dream it, you can do it." – Walt Disney
Our History:
The Story of Louth Playgoers Society & Our Theatre
Louth Playgoers Society has a rich and inspiring history that dates back to 1932. What began as a group of passionate individuals with a shared love for theatre has grown into a cornerstone of arts and culture in our community.
Our journey truly came to life with the establishment of the Riverhead Theatre, a venue that has stood as a testament to creativity, collaboration, and the power of performance. Over the years, this theatre has hosted countless productions, from local talent to touring companies, each leaving its unique mark on the stage and in the hearts of audiences.
Through decades of hard work, dedication, and the support of our volunteers, staff, and community, Louth Playgoers continues to thrive.
Our Timeline
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1769
Louth's first theatre created.
19th March 1932
The first meeting at St James Parish Hall to discuss the formation of a society for the reading and production of stage plays. Over 100 people attended.The meeting was chaired by Mr. Arthur Bellamy, who was elected President of the society during the evening.
Date
The Society moved to the Wilde Memorial Hall in Broadbank
23rd November 1933
Fisrt ever public production by the Society was Tillyof Bloomsbury which opened at the Town Hall.
1946
John Lill joined the society
6th May 1964
The society's very first musical "Salad Days" was performed
9th March 1992
60th Anniversary of the society
8th January 1974
Louth Playgoers Society becomes incorporated as a limited company.
11th November 1974
Opening day of Newmarket Theatre
15th November 1974
The first play - The Secretary Bird opened in the new Theatre
Date
Riverhead Theatre Opened
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