Stornoway Thespians

In September 1950 the Stornoway Thespians Drama Club was formed with 18 members, it was the first organised drama club based in Stornoway. Starting with a concert they quickly graduated to one and three act plays performed both locally and in Scottish Community Drama Association Festivals held in Stornoway with subsequent rounds in mainland venues, The Thespians reached the Scottish Final 3 times, and the semi-finals often. In 1967 the first Community Pantomime took place organised by the SY Thespians and Na Eileanaich, a local Gaelic Drama Group. 

Aunty Morags Brochan was a real community event with a cast of thousands, supported by many local businesses and a total sell out (town hall 350 seats 6 performances) and so a tradition was born and for a number of years the pantomime responsibility alternated between the two groups. Community Drama flourished in the islands for several decades. Unfortunately, over the years interest in community drama has waned and from 1990 to 2018 the Pantomime was produced by the Stornoway Thespians, for various reasons the Thespians closed the curtains.

A Phoenix from the ashes

In 2021  Phoenix Theatre rose, with a large Youth Section, and an Adult Group participating in SCDA Festivals and producing an annual pantomime. New members, experienced or total novice, onstage or off, are always welcome. Help us to keep the magic of theatre alive. We do this not just for the audiences, although they are important, but for the performers and doers among us, the young people who gain confidence and skills from their participation, the adults who learn and grow through teamwork, and a sense of achievement. For participation, education, and entertainment in the community. That is what Community Drama is about.