It all started in the kitchen at the Church Hall when Fiona Jones and Ria Beaumont were doing the washing-up after Church. At that time, Fiona was responsible for Group Bookings at Richmond Theatre and they discussed the fact that most people in the congregation were only meeting on a Sunday. We wondered if a regular trip to the theatre would help bring people together during the week in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

After approval from the vicar, they got a little theatre programme together for Richmond Theatre, who offered us discounted tickets for some of their performances. The first production – in May last year – was Star Quality, a comedy by Noel Coward, and eight people signed up. It was a very enjoyable evening, with everyone mixing in and chatting to one another. Since then, we’ve been to seven more productions, including comedies, musicals, ballets and murder mysteries. More recently, they’ve added The Orange Tree to their list and were over-subscribed for Gilbert & Sullivan’s 'The Pirates of Penzance'.

In total, over 100 people – young, old, single and couples - have been to these outings and one or two have even been to all of them! They see a play roughly once a month. Their aim is to get people together to have some fun during the week and it’s been a great success. They’ve had people who’ve not been to the theatre for years or never been to The Orange Tree before. Others just appreciate the evening being organised for them, including transport in some cases.

From the start, the response has been wonderful and, now that it’s a regular fixture in St James’ social diary, people know what to expect. They look forward to an evening out with old or newly acquired friends and are always in excellent spirits. During the interval, some people stay in their seats for a chat, while others head for the bar for some refreshments.

There are generally about a dozen people but there were 25 at the ballet and, whilst the theatre itself gives great pleasure, St. James's Theatre Club is about other things too. It can bring people into contact with one another for the first time: "I hadn't realised she was so interesting", said one about another!

It also allows people to go out during the evening in a safe environment when they may not otherwise have done so: "It's ages since I've been to the theatre but it's so nice to have the company of so many friendly people."

And it also allows people to help others: "I'd drive to Richmond anyway, so it's no trouble for me to pick you up and drop you off at the end of the evening."

So, it's been a great success so far and long may it continue!

For more information or if you’re interested in joining us, please see the notice board at the back of the church, look at our Forthcoming Events page or phone Ria Beaumont on 020 8943 4336. If you need a lift to the theatre, that’s no problem as we have a number of people willing to drive. Organising these visits to the theatre has been most rewarding and great fun….. and everyone is welcome!