Compass Theatre

The Compass Theatre stands in Ickenham, a village within the London Borough of Hillingdon. It occupies a site once owned by Middlesex County Council, which bought Ickenham Hall and its grounds in 1948 to create a youth centre. In 1968 a theatre was built behind the hall and later named by theatre director John Sherratt. The two buildings were joined by a new structure in 1976. The theatre was refurbished in 1990 and reopened by Prince Edward. The theatre mainly hosts local amateur dramatic groups alongside films, professional children’s shows and other arts activities. It provides a base for 360 Youth Theatre, the film company Talking Pictures and the Dance Challenge administration. Regular performers include Argosy Players, Ruislip Dramatic Society, Hillingdon Musical Society, Players 2, Pastiche Musical Theatre and Purple Theatre. Professional companies such as Big Wooden Horse Theatre and Tall Stories also appear there. Visitors find a 158-seat auditorium with a programme of plays, films and musical performances. The building links the original hall to the theatre, creating a single complex. Local groups rehearse and perform alongside touring productions. The theatre supports youth theatre and film-making through its resident companies. Its refurbished interior offers modern facilities within a community-focused venue.