HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: THE STANSTED THEATRE

Tuesday 16 September 2025

11am-11:45am

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This talk tells the story of Stansted Park’s theatre from the mid 1920s until World War Two, with an outline of later events and the Theatre’s legacy.

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Today many people enjoy visiting Stansted Park’s outdoor theatre performances and atmospheric retellings of A Christmas Carol in the House. But nearly a century ago, the 9th Earl of Bessborough, supported by his talented family, built and operated a 200-seater theatre on the Estate with three productions a year.

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The cast was made up of friends, family and staff, experienced amateurs and gifted newcomers - former World War One officers, local landed gentry, estate staff and families all had their parts to play. Charabancs ran from Chichester, the Chief Constable lent bloodhounds and constables for one play, costumes came from London, and cast members living at a distance stayed at Stansted Park during the fortnight’s intensive rehearsals.

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Shakespeare alternated with a ‘modern’ author like Shaw while Christmas saw a seasonal production. Many local charities benefitted from the plays’ incomes and local and national papers published reviews.

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Sadly the theatre burned down during World War Two and although post war it was recreated elsewhere on the Estate by the 10th Earl of Bessborough, its heyday was over. It’s legacy though can be seen in the skills the Bessborough family subsequently brought to the foundation of Chichester Festival Theatre.

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Tickets are free but pre-booking is essential. 

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Access Requirements 

Step-free access around the House is available. Please note however that the lift may not be able to accommodate some motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters. 

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Please contact us on visitors@stanstedpark.co.uk or by calling 02392 412 265 (opt 5) to discuss accessibility for this event further.