Amateur Theatre Companies in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

A practical guide for actors and theatre-makers.

Finding amateur theatre as an adult can be harder than it should be.

Across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire there are many active amateur theatre companies, but not all are easy to find online. Some rely on Facebook rather than websites. Others depend on word of mouth. As a result, people who want to act, direct, stage manage, or help behind the scenes often struggle to discover what is available locally.

This page brings together amateur theatre companies across the region to make the local theatre scene more visible and easier to navigate. It is intended as a practical starting point for anyone looking to get involved in amateur theatre. We’ve listed groups for adults (who may sometimes need children in plays too). There are further groups that are specifically youth focussed.

If you’d like to add your group, or edit the existing entry below, please let us know.

Why we created this page

We rehearse in Halton (HP22) and perform across counties, so many of our members travel to work with different companies and venues. However, like many actors, we have experienced how difficult it can be to find groups beyond the first one that appears in a Google search. (Or even trying to to search for amateur theatre groups in Google and not finding any)

We see amateur theatre as a shared ecosystem, not a closed community. This page is designed to help people discover the breadth of activity across Bucks, Beds and Herts, whether they are new to acting, returning after a break, or simply curious about what is nearby.

Important note about this list

  • This list is informational, not exhaustive
  • Inclusion does not imply endorsement
  • Absence does not imply inactivity or quality
  • Programming, venues and focus change regularly

We aim to include amateur theatre companies that have been active in recent years and that people may realistically travel to across the region.

Berkhamsted, Tring and West Hertfordshire

The Players Theatre Company

Website: https://theplayerstc.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePlayersTC

Amateur theatre company producing plays including Shakespeare and other classic and contemporary texts. Rehearsals in Halton (HP22) with performances across the region, with 2026 shows planned for Leighton Buzzard.

To get involved with us, please find out more and Join Us here.

Berkhamsted Theatre Company

Website: https://www.berkhamstedtheatre.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berkhamstedtheatrecompany

Long-established company producing a mix of plays and musicals. 100-year anniversary in 2026.

Bovingdon Players

Website: https://www.bovingdonplayers.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bovingdonplayers

Community theatre group presenting regular productions including plays and pantomime.

Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company

Website: https://www.hh-theatreco.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HHTheatreCo

Produces plays and musicals, often staged at the Boxmoor Playhouse.

Buckinghamshire and South Bucks

Unbound Theatre

Website: https://www.unboundtheatre.co.uk

Creates contemporary productions, adaptations and new writing, based at Queens Park Arts Centre in Aylesbury.

Aylesbury Vale Players

Website: https://www.avplayers.org.uk

Amateur drama group producing plays in and around Aylesbury.

Fourways Theatre Company

Website: https://www.fourwaystheatre.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Fourways-100063609847633

Long-established amateur theatre society in High Wycombe producing plays and other stage work.

Chiltern Shakespeare Company

Website: https://www.chiltern-shakespeare.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChilternShakespeareCompany

Shakespeare-focused company closely associated with Fourways Theatre Company, staging productions across the Chilterns. Listings and auditions may overlap.

Lane End Players

Website: https://www.laneendplayers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laneendplayers/

Community theatre group producing plays and local productions in Lane End and surrounding areas.

Bedfordshire and Leighton Buzzard

Leighton Buzzard Drama Group

Website: https://www.lbdg.org.uk

Amateur theatre company producing regular seasons of plays.

Maulden Players

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mauldenplayers

Village theatre group presenting plays and pantomime.

TADS Theatre Group

Website: https://www.tadstheatre.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3067060356

Active amateur theatre group producing comedies, plays and family shows.

St Albans, Hertford and Watford

Company of Ten

Website: https://www.abbeytheatre.org.uk/company-of-ten/

Prolific amateur theatre company producing multiple plays each year at the Abbey Theatre, St Albans.

Company of Players

Website: https://cops.org.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/companyofplayers

Produces several plays a year at the Little Theatre, Hertford.

Hoddesdon Players

Website: https://www.hoddesdonplayers.org.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2039667402751147

Long-running amateur dramatic society with regular productions.

Centralian Players

Website: https://www.centralianplayers.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCentralianPlayers

Amateur theatre company regularly performing at Watford Palace Theatre.

Pump House Theatre Company

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PumpHouseTheatreCompany

Produces plays at The Pump House and other Watford venues.

Running Joke Theatre Company

Website: https://www.runningjoketheatre.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunningJokeTheatreCompany

Cofounded by previous members of The Players Theatre Company. Produce around two high quality shows each year, performed at Queens Park Arts Centre in Aylesbury.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amateur Theatre

How do I get involved in amateur theatre as an adult?

Most companies are open to new members. Visit their website or Facebook page, look for audition notices or contact details, and get in touch directly. You do not usually need formal training.

Do I need acting experience?

In many cases, no. Amateur theatre companies often cast people who are new to acting or returning after a break. Auditions are usually about finding the right fit for a production rather than technical perfection.

How much time does it take?

Typically one or two rehearsals per week, increasing closer to performance. Commitment varies by company and production, and it is normal to discuss availability in advance.

Is amateur theatre paid?

No. Amateur theatre is unpaid and volunteer-led. Ticket income usually covers production costs and future shows.

Can I act with more than one company?

Yes. Many actors work with multiple amateur theatre companies, especially across Bucks, Beds and Herts. Clear communication about availability is important.

Behind-the-scenes roles in amateur theatre

You do not need to be an actor to get involved. Most productions rely on people working behind the scenes, including:

  • Stage management
  • Assistant directing
  • Set design and construction
  • Costume and wardrobe
  • Props
  • Lighting and sound
  • Front of house
  • Marketing, publicity and websites

Many people start in these roles and move into other areas over time.

How to get your theatre company added or updated

This page is intended to be helpful and up to date, but amateur theatre changes constantly.

If your company should be included, or if any details need correcting, please complete the form below and we’ll aim to update this page within the next few days.

    Last updated

    January 2026

    Final note

    Amateur theatre depends on people taking a first step. Most of us started by sending a message, turning up nervously to a rehearsal, or saying yes before we felt ready.

    If this page helps make the local theatre scene easier to discover, it has done its job.