 |
The Vera Fletcher Hall - "The Theatre in Thames Ditton" - in Embercourt Road, is the old Victorian Village Hall built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee as a gift to the community from local benefactor Hannibal Speer, Lord of the Manor of Weston. With active support and fund-raising by the Residents' Association, the Hall has lately been restored to a well-equipped, intimate theatre/concert hall/pocket opera house by night, providing a space for classes, meetings and a Day Centre by day. Not many small theatres, let alone village halls, have been able to attract stars such as Petula Clark - who opened the Hall-, Dorothy Tutin, Denis Quilley, Janet Suzman, John Julius Norwich, Susannah York, the English National Opera and the Royal Shakespeare Company with their "Shakespeare Revue". The Hall has notably introduced many to opera, on a small scale but of high quality at affordable prices; and, above all, accessible. Rising stars such as the pianist Tanya Ursova, and local drama and music groups also present excellent performances.
The Vera Fletcher Hall boasts a good stage with first-class lighting and sound facilities, and can seat 126 in a configurable open area front of stage. There are cafe and toilet facilities, a licensed bar, and central heating. It is easy to get to the Hall, which is fifty yards from Thames Ditton railway station and less from the nearest bus stop. Parking is not a problem on the roads nearby.
|
