The Bear Pit Theatre

The Bear Pit was formed as an organisation in the autumn of 2008 with the aim of creating a permanent, sustainable home for the amateur arts groups in Stratford-upon-Avon.

In April 2010 discussions began with the United Reformed Church on Rother Street with the aim of developing the church hall into a theatre and exhibition space.

From 2012 volunteers began the process of converted the church hall into a 100 seat community theatre, including painting the walls black, sourcing seating and curtains and installing a lighting rig. The auditorium has a tiered seating system and can support a range of theatre layouts. It can also be used as an exhibition or rehearsal space.

In July 2014 a five year lease was signed with the United Reformed Church. In August, a new entrance to the theatre was created by removing a set of double doors in the entrance corridor.

In 2016, the Bear Pit received a grant from the Stratford Town Trust which enabled improvements to be made backstage. The entire area was transformed to accommodate three dressing/changing rooms, a newly created mezzanine for storage and a small office. There is also a bar and kitchen facilities.