The Garrison Theatre
History
What is believed to be the only surviving World War 2 ENSA theatre has been saved by a group of enthusiastic volunteers. Despite having fallen into disrepair, many of the theatre’s original features remain intact despite the Castle’s exposed position at the end of a two-mile shingle spit. Built in a converted Victorian gun emplacement, the hand painted proscenium arch still bears the badge and grenades of the Royal Artillery. The backdrop depicts a romantic restoration scene of Romeo and Juliet or possibly Charles II and Nell Gwyn.
The ravages of time and damp had left the theatre looking tired and unloved. This was until the Friends of Hurst Castle started restoration work in January 2008. The old platform stage, which was removed in the late 1980s, has now been reconstructed. New curtains have been fashioned from hessian, once used to camouflage the Castle’s guns and searchlights, and hang from the original galvanized gas pipe. The only concessions to the twenty first century are modern lights and sound systems.
Visitors can listen to music from the period and learn the history of the theatre and the origins and role of ENSA, the Entertainments National Service Association. And now, after a break of more than 60 years, the Garrison Theatre again stages regular shows during the summer months. Tickets and further information from the Ticket Hotline on 01590 673985.
To mark the occasion of the first show in the newly-restored theatre in May 2008, BBC South Today TV programme featured Hurst Castle and the Garrison Theatre. Click on the link to watch the BBC feature: Solent Fort to host concert
Forthcoming Productions
Please watch this space for news of next season's shows!
Recent Shows
Around the World in 80 Days
This eagerly awaited Forest Forge Theatre production came to the Garrison Theatre on September 29th and 30th, 2009. Using the Castle's remote location to imaginative advantage, the performance started at Keyhaven Yacht Club, with the audience then following Phileas Fogg on board the ferry Solent Rose to Hurst Castle as he began his exciting and entertaining circumnavigation. Further information available from www.forestforge.co.uk.
The Windmill Swing Band
Back by popular demand, the Windmill Swing Band featuring singer Jan Press returned to the Garrison Theatre with all those classic numbers from the swing era.
July 3rd 2009
Midsummer Music
An evening of musical magic with the award winning Coda Choir and a rare appearance by singer, guitarist and songwriter, David Walters.
June 17th 2009
1940s ENSA Show
Wartime nostalgia
2 May 2009
Naughty Nineties Music Hall
Victorian Music Hall at its best from the Mary Ward Players
13 September 2008
1942 Wartime Concert Party Revisited
A Variety Show featuring the Windmill Swing Band and a special appearance by Betty Hockey who sang and danced at the Garrison Theatre during the war.
May 16 2008