The theatre is situated on the outskirts of Crawley and unspoilt fields. It lies immediately, to the north of the XIIIth century Church of St Margaret’s, in the manor of Ifield which was originally recorded in the Domesday Book. The Barn Theatre together with the Church, a village pub and some picturesque cottages now lie within an officially designated conservation area. The theatre was created from a group of agricultural buildings and consist of a 700 year old tithe barn which now forms the auditorium and dressing rooms, a former Granary which serves as a kitchen and stables which have been converted to an exhibition room and workshops.
All three buildings have been linked by a modern addition tastefully integrated to form the foyer and theatre bar. Due to some inspired fund-raising by members many improvements have been made to the theatre. The Ifield Barn Theatre Society was founded in 1968. Throughout its life, it has been maintained by voluntary donations and is managed entirely by the unpaid efforts of its members. The programme presented by the Society consists mainly of plays directed and performed by members, with occasional professional drama and music recitals, both amateur and professional. The Society aims to produce a programme to suit all tastes. The Theatre Society stages five productions each year and constantly requires members to act, direct and to assist in the many backstage and front of house roles that go to make a successful stage production.
The social side is in the capable hands of the Green Room Club, set up to support the Theatre Society. It provides recreation and refreshment for members and their friends. Operating the club bar and the theatre bar, under their respective licences, it organises regular and various social events during the year, making an invaluable contribution to the running of the theatre. The club bar is open every Friday evening from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and every Sunday lunchtime from 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. – so if you are interested in joining us, come along, you will be made most welcome.
