ABOUT US

Our History

An Open Air performance space, nestling in the midst of beautiful rolling Hertfordshire countryside, The Living Theatre is a non-profit organisation and arts space started in 2020. Originally built from an old dumping ground by founder Julia Fisher, the theatre is run by a core team of Emma Fisher, James Schofield and Stephanie Booth with our board of trustees Julia Fisher, Andy Barker, Imogen Powell and Monika Skwierczynska.

24th August 2020
FIRST STEPS

The Living Theatre launches publicly on social media citing a mission to promote community engagement and positive wellbeing through access to a rural open air performance space, with a focus on the mental wellbeing of young people.

27th August 2020
THE BIG BUILD

A team of actors and volunteers lay the floor of The Living Theatre - a performance space is built!

5th September 2020
TWO

Opening night of Two, which becomes a sold out run with audience sitting in individual bubbles two metres apart. The Living Theatre’s first ever production with a cast of professional actors alongside young actors looking to gain a career in the arts and bring some joy to a locked down country.

19th August 2021
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE

Opening night of the Living Theatre's second ever public show and the first out of strict Covid guidlines.

1st-3rd January 2022
THROUGH THE WARDROBE

Through the Wardrobe is created; the Living Theatre’s first winter show. Emma and James take the reins, working with Kelsey Duffy, Julia Fisher and bringing on Stephanie Booth to co-direct the production. TTW sells out and The Living Theatre Core team is created.

8th March 2022
MAKING IT OFFICIAL

The Living Theatre is officially incorporated as not for profit organisation

28th May 2022
HAVING A BALL

The first ever Living Theatre May Ball takes place. It was so popular it is now a yearly tradition! 

12 June 2022
VISITING COMPANIES

Half Cut Theatre become the first ever visiting company at The Living Theatre with Much Ado about Nothing

8th March 2023
CHARITY STATUS

The Theatre company gains official status as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)

17th May 2023
COMMUNITY FOCUS

The theatre creates a free ticketing scheme for local children to attend it's theatre festival workshops with generous funding partner the Henry Smith Foundation

3rd December 2023
LOCAL TOUR

The Living Theatre tours for the first time with 'A Christmas Carol'. The tour includes local community venues and churches and historic buildings such as The Old Palace at Hatfield Park

21st June 2024
MULTI-DISCIPLINE

The Living Theatre launches it's first ever art trail, supporting six local artists and strengthening it's mission to bring multi-disciplinary art forms to the local community