Robin Bailey, Capacity Audiences & Years of 'He's behind you!'

The Hucknall Drama club was originally formed in the 1930's. One of its members was Robin Bailey who later gained fame as an actor; appearing in many films and on television. Robin was a patron of the group until he died in 1999.

So, how did it all start? Well, in 1968 a teacher called David Henty came to live in Hucknall. When he discovered that there was no drama group in the town he decided to form one to showcase the talent of Hucknall and beyond. The church hall was the promised venue and with borrowed money he staged a grand performance of 'Cinderella' and so the Hucknall Dramatic Society was born.

The group has gone from strength to strength and one production to the next. Now each year the holds a pantomime and two other productions. These have ranged from 'Famous One Morning' by Isabel Butterfield; a play about the life of Lord Byron, to 'Our Day Out' by Willy Russell, and most traditional pantomimes including 'Hansel and Gretel'(2005).

In 1995, the group attracted a capacity audience for a 1940's musical production to celebrate the 50th anniversary of VE Day at the Festival Hall, Kirkby in Ashfield and three performances at the Lovelace Theatre.

Investment for the Community Centre

In recent years the Hucknall Community Centre where the group is based has undergone a few changes. In January 1995 the Church Hall was closed for much needed refurbishment. Just under 1/4 million pounds was spent which has seen a dramatic improvement to the centre that now boasts two bars, smaller function rooms and the main hall with modern stage lighting and sound production.

1996 saw the group name change to the 'Hucknall Community Theatre Group' and in the past three to four years we have received grants from the Charities Aid Foundation (Coalfields Regeneration fund) and 'National Lottery Awards for All' to replace some thirty year old equipment.

Great Venue!

The Centre which is now known as the John Godber Centre and Lovelace Theatre from which the group has recently taken its new name, after Ada Lovelace and her connections with Lord Byron, is now a very desirable venue for professional and amateur performers alike.

The Junior Section of the Lovelace Theatre Group is flourishing after help from the Local Area Forum and it nows runs once a month on a Wednesday; some members get the opportunity to perform in major group productions too..

Website and Social Media

The year 2003 saw the introduction of www.lovelacetheatregroup.co.uk and plans for many more wonderful performances. A few years later saw a revamp of the website with continual updates as required. Shortly after the theatre group was launched on Social Media including Facebook and Instagram.