Progress Theatre

Progress Theatre Reading's premiere, community theatre company. New members always welcome, meet new friends, get involved as little or as much as you like! See website for more

Varied & challenging drama for all ages. We pride ourselves on our inclusivity & diversity. Progress has been creating excellent theatre in Reading since 1946. As a registered Charity we are committed to promoting education in the performing arts as well as producing a programme of varied, interesting and challenging drama to the highest standard. Progress is run and maintained by volunteers. We h

ave 8 productions in the 2023/24 season. In addition we host music and fringe events, jazz concerts (in partnership with Jazz in Reading) and a monthly comedy night on a Friday. We produce an Open Air production most years, previously at the Caversham Court Gardens and currently in the beautiful Reading Abbey ruins during July. Our intimate 96 seat auditorium has raked seating and includes a dedicated space for a wheelchair user and their carer. We are an accessible building and have one disabled parking bay in our carpark to the rear of the theatre. We have a fully licensed, well stocked bar. Progress has a thriving Youth Theatre, a Writers’ Group, the Friends of Progress and the Members themselves. We are members of the Little Theatre Guild (LTG) and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) and we are registered in England as a charity (no. 1182798).

'Alas, poor Yorick'. Hamlet performed in Reading's Abbey Ruins this summer.📅 15-25 July inc. matinees📍 Reading Abbey Rui...
05/06/2026

'Alas, poor Yorick'. Hamlet performed in Reading's Abbey Ruins this summer.

📅 15-25 July inc. matinees
📍 Reading Abbey Ruins
🎟️ readingopenair.com

Award-winning Progress Theatre are bringing you Hamlet, William Shakespeare's most celebrated – and most quoted – play. Performed in the magical and atmospheric setting of Reading's Abbey Ruins.

Love these photos! 👏
04/06/2026

Love these photos! 👏

🎭 Meet Nell Gwynn, played by Tabitha Thorp

Bold, witty and impossible to ignore, Nell Gwynn rose from humble beginnings and remains one of theatre history’s most celebrated stars.

Playing Nell is Tabitha Thorp, making her debut with Progress Theatre. Tabbie has enjoyed every second of the rehearsal process and can't wait for show week to arrive! We can't wait to see her bring Nell’s energy, humour and determination to life.

Don't miss Playhouse Creatures, a compelling, funny and moving story about the trailblazing women who changed English theatre forever.

📅 22–27 June 2026
🎭 Saturday 27 June includes a Matinee and Relaxed Performance
🎟 Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/progresstheatre/playhouse-creatures/e-oveyod

Photos: Caroline Marshall-Stewart (Instagram

🎭 Meet Nell Gwynn, played by Tabitha ThorpBold, witty and impossible to ignore, Nell Gwynn rose from humble beginnings a...
04/06/2026

🎭 Meet Nell Gwynn, played by Tabitha Thorp

Bold, witty and impossible to ignore, Nell Gwynn rose from humble beginnings and remains one of theatre history’s most celebrated stars.

Playing Nell is Tabitha Thorp, making her debut with Progress Theatre. Tabbie has enjoyed every second of the rehearsal process and can't wait for show week to arrive! We can't wait to see her bring Nell’s energy, humour and determination to life.

Don't miss Playhouse Creatures, a compelling, funny and moving story about the trailblazing women who changed English theatre forever.

📅 22–27 June 2026
🎭 Saturday 27 June includes a Matinee and Relaxed Performance
🎟 Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/progresstheatre/playhouse-creatures/e-oveyod

Photos: Caroline Marshall-Stewart (Instagram

Meet our Yorick! Our props team are hard at work already, getting ready for Hamlet performed in Reading's Abbey Ruins th...
03/06/2026

Meet our Yorick! Our props team are hard at work already, getting ready for Hamlet performed in Reading's Abbey Ruins this summer.

📅 15-25 July inc. matinees
📍 Reading Abbey Ruins
🎟️ readingopenair.com

Award-winning Progress Theatre are bringing you Hamlet, William Shakespeare's most celebrated – and most quoted – play. Performed in the magical and atmospheric setting of Reading's Abbey Ruins.

📷Progress' production of Twelfth Night in 2023

🎭 Meet Doll Common, played by Linda BostockDoll Common was one of the pioneering women who helped change theatre forever...
02/06/2026

🎭 Meet Doll Common, played by Linda Bostock

Doll Common was one of the pioneering women who helped change theatre forever, becoming part of the first generation of actresses allowed to perform on the English stage during the Restoration. Although, as Doll herself might point out, she often seemed to end up as the body under the cloak... or wielding a broom rather than taking centre stage!😄

Playing Doll is Linda Bostock, who loves all aspects of theatre, especially the storytelling and the costumes.

Join us for Playhouse Creatures, a witty, moving and fascinating look at the women who transformed the English stage.

📅 22–27 June 2026
🎭 Saturday 27 June includes a Matinee and Relaxed Performance
🎟 Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/progresstheatre/playhouse-creatures/e-oveyod

Photos: Caroline Marshall-Stewart (Instagram

🎭 Meet Mrs Betterton, played by Emma Sterry.Last seen captivating audiences in Titus Andronicus, Emma now steps into the...
01/06/2026

🎭 Meet Mrs Betterton, played by Emma Sterry.

Last seen captivating audiences in Titus Andronicus, Emma now steps into the shoes of one of theatre history’s most influential actresses. There’s a fitting connection too: Shakespeare scholars have suggested that the real-life Mrs Betterton may have been known for roles including Queen Tamora in Titus Andronicus, making this a wonderful case of art imitating life.

Don’t miss Emma in Playhouse Creatures, a powerful and witty celebration of the women who changed the stage forever.

22–27 June 2026
Saturday matinee: 27 June is also a Relaxed Performance
Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/progresstheatre

Photos: Caroline Marshall-Stewart / Instagram: swordpanda

01/06/2026

Have we mentioned we're performing Hamlet in Reading's Abbey Ruins?✨

📅 15-25 July inc. matinees
📍 Reading Abbey Ruins
🎟️ readingopenair.com

Award-winning Progress Theatre are bringing you Hamlet, William Shakespeare's most celebrated – and most quoted – play. Performed in the magical and atmospheric setting of Reading's Abbey Ruins.

Cool new play to match the cool weather!Congratulations to the cast and creative team behind Home, I'm Darling - and to ...
31/05/2026

Cool new play to match the cool weather!

Congratulations to the cast and creative team behind Home, I'm Darling - and to our audiences this week for braving the sticky heat in our auditorium.

The next team is getting settled into the theatre today to bring you Playhouse Creatures by April de Angelis. This b***y drama has brave actresses creating history, and has comedy, heart and soul. Directed by Rachel Meyer with sword-play assistance from Caroline Marshall-Stewart (the team behind HAM! POD iykyk 😁)

see our website for more details and a link to book: https://progresstheatre.co.uk/whats-on

If you are not yet on our mailing list, please join us for regular updates on shows, fundraising and ways to get involved: http://eepurl.com/dgA7er

Address

The Mount, Christchurch Road
Reading
RG15HL

Opening Hours

Monday 7:15pm - 10:45pm
Tuesday 7:15pm - 10:45pm
Wednesday 7:15pm - 10:45pm
Thursday 7:15pm - 10:45pm
Friday 7:15pm - 10:45pm
Saturday 7:15pm - 10:45pm

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