Queen Mother Theatre

The Queen Mother Theatre stands on Walsworth Road in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. It is a modern theatre built for performances by local groups. The theatre takes its name from Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who agreed to the title. The Bancroft Players, a local amateur group, own and run the venue. Big Spirit Youth Theatre, founded in 1984, also performs there and once counted actor Ben Whishaw among its members. The theatre’s story began in 1977 when the Bancroft Players decided to build a purpose-built home. Fundraising started slowly, but by 1981 enough money had been raised to begin construction. The foundation stone was laid in September 1982 by Jimmy Hill, president of the appeal. At the same event, local resident Richard Whitmore announced that the Queen Mother had agreed to the theatre’s name. This makes it the only theatre in the UK with this title. Inside, the theatre has a large foyer and a workshop added later. The extension includes the Richard Whitmore Studio, named after the man who announced the theatre’s title. Productions range from plays to youth performances, keeping the stage lively. The building remains a focus for local arts and community life.