Sutton Arts Theatre - A Sutton Coldfield Gem!

Sutton Arts Theatre is situated on South Parade in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. The theatre was founded around 1944 by Paul Rice and Bill Wesley Harkcom.


Where is Sutton Arts Theatre?

Sutton Arts Theatre is at South Parade, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B72 1QU.

 

In brief

A small theatre in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, run by volunteers. It was founded in the mid 1940s.

Sutton Arts TheatreSutton Arts Theatre on South Parade, Sutton Coldfield (January 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Sutton Arts Theatre - history

The story of Sutton Arts Theatre started one evening in 1944 when Paul Rice called unexpectedly with a proposition to put to Bill Wesley Harkcom.

Paul intended to produce a play somewhere in Sutton Coldfield and was having trouble finding a leading man.

Wesley Harkcom was an experienced actor and after a long discussion he agreed to take the lead. So began a long and fruitful friendship.

In 1946 Sutton Arts Council was formed, after the Libraries and Arts committees of Sutton invited representatives of local dramatic societies to form a central body.

This amalgamation resulted in the new company producing three plays a year. Sutton Town Hall continued to be used to stage the productions.

The high quality productions continued and in 1997 the theatre took a significant step towards securing its future when the freehold of the site was purchased from Birmingham City Council.

 

Contact details

Sutton Arts Theatre

Project dates

25 Feb 2022 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Art; Culture & creativity, Music & musicians
Classic Architecture

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Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com