Chelmsford Guide

Chelmsford Theatre Workshop

Chelmsford Theatre Workshop

A Proud Local Theatre Tradition Since 1969

About

Chelmsford Theatre Workshop (CTW) has been at the heart of the city’s performing arts scene for over five decades. What began as a shared passion for drama has grown into one of Chelmsford’s most respected and enduring theatre groups.

How It All Began

In the 1960s, Chelmsford Festival featured an annual drama production at the Civic Theatre. These productions brought together local performers who auditioned specifically for a single show each year. One such production was The Country Wife in 1969.

Around this time, Yvonne Peacock was running a popular drama class at Patching Hall Lane School (then Blessed John Payne). When the course came to an end, many participants — several of whom had performed in the festival plays — were eager to continue acting together. The idea of forming a permanent drama group emerged, possibly sparked by Yvonne herself or Diana George.

In August 1969, Tom and Con Johnson hosted a meeting at G.E.C., where Tom worked, to discuss creating a new theatre company. Those in attendance — who would go on to become founder members — included Yvonne Peacock, Diana George, Rita Ronn, Alan Wood, Josie Whitehead, Betty Deans, Jo Morbey (Spencer), Gwynneth Southgate, Mary Lynn, and others from Chelmsford’s growing theatre community. After much discussion, the name Chelmsford Theatre Workshop was chosen — and a new chapter in local theatre began.

The Early Years

In November 1969, CTW staged its first production: Bill McIlwraith’s black comedy The Anniversary, directed by Peter Hughes. The production featured Diana George in the role of the mother, alongside Margaret Simmonds, Norman Grimes and Wendy Demello, among others. It marked the start of what would become a rich and varied performance history.

In its early years, the group had no permanent home. Productions were staged in rented school halls, with one major annual show at the Civic Theatre. During the early 1970s, CTW began using Sillett Barn (known locally as “The Barn”) behind Brooklands on Broomfield Road for many performances.

A major milestone came in 1979, when the group purchased what is now The Old Court Theatre on Springfield Road — finally giving Chelmsford Theatre Workshop a permanent home. The theatre remains at the centre of the organisation today, serving as both performance space and creative hub.

A Legacy of Community and Commitment

Many founding members and early contributors played significant roles in shaping the organisation. Diana George served as Treasurer for many years, while Con Johnson contributed through committee work and as President. Several early members remained active in local theatre for decades, with some still involved in CTW today — a testament to the strong sense of community that has defined the group from the beginning.

From a single festival production to a thriving theatre company with its own venue, Chelmsford Theatre Workshop continues to champion local talent, creativity and community spirit.

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