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Once a run-down building by a rubble-filled section of water next to the derelict gasworks, the Quay Theatre is one of Sudbury’s key attractions and an integral part of the local community.
1791 – 1977
The Quay Theatre began life in 1791 as the principal warehouse for The River Stour Navigation Company. The company went into liquidation in 1913, and the building was used as a store for bulldozers and cement mixers until 1977, when it was purchased by Sudbury Dramatic Society for £15,000.
1977 – the conversion gets underway
As members of the Sudbury Dramatic Society set about converting the building into a fully functional theatre, outside fundraisers were brought in in 1980 to help raise the estimated £120,000 needed to fully convert the building.
1981 – a grand opening
Progress was swift – In May 1981 contractors moved in to commence building work, and on 5th December, The Quay was officially opened by local celebrity Geoff Kisby in the presence of top comedian and actor Max Wall.
1982 – becoming established
A jazz club, and film and music societies formed with the Quay as their headquarters, and a Friends of the Quay organisation oversaw activities such as the Gallery and sales desk. Professional theatre companies and guest celebrities became part of The Quay’s programme. The Quay Bar opened in March 1982.
1983 – restructuring
Despite the success of fundraising for capital projects – almost £200,000 had been committed by the beginning of 1983 – The Quay Management Committee was running into deficit and monies had to be ‘borrowed’ from the capital fund to continue. In June 1983, following a report commissioned on the future structure of The Quay’s management, the Committee was split from the Sudbury Dramatic Society Committee for the first time.
1984 – new extension commissioned
As the Quay plays host to both local acts and professional touring companies, a new extension was commissioned comprising a box office, administrator’s office, bar extension and a kitchen. The Sudbury Dramatic Society’s costume hire department was relocated above the auditorium, making way for what is now the Geoff Kisby Room.
1986 – further expansion
In October, the opportunity arose to lease The Jetty Studio (adjacent to the Quay Theatre) from the Sudbury Bowls Club. The Quay School of Dance moved into this new space, creating capacity in the theatre for more public performances.
The demise of the Film Society in 1985 and the closure of Sudbury’s sole cinema led to the launch of Quay Cinema in 1986, with a new screen and projector installed in January 1987 thanks to money raised by the Quay Study Group.
1987 – charitable status
The Quay at Sudbury became a charity on 1st May 1987, now a separate legal entity from the Sudbury Dramatic Society. As a 550-member organisation, with new capital investment, staffing levels and use of the building increased.
1990 – 1992 – closer ties with the local community
In early 1990, Richard Dunning, the mastermind behind The Quay project died, following which The Quay went through a period of upheaval and uncertainty. A new Theatre Director was appointed in December, with a modified management structure and financial procedures.
A new membership scheme was introduced offering benefits such as ticket price reductions, giving members of the public the opportunity to support of The Quay. The theatre expanded its educational and community programme and introduced a wide range of youth activities.
1992 – more refurbishment
The Jetty Studio was refurbished thanks to a grant of just over £16,500 from the Foundation for Sports and the Arts, and the auditorium stage floor was replaced by an enthusiastic band of volunteers.
1993 – the Quay 2000 appeal is launched
Following a cut in grant aid, a new fundraising appeal, the Quay 2000, was launched at a gala evening performance of Tom Jones in March 1993, with the aim of raising £200,000 by the year 2000 to maintain the structure and fabric of the building.
The Quay further enhances its reputation by participating in the Talbot Tour – a tourist initiative designed to show the public the working history of Sudbury. The Quay finished the year with the smallest deficit in recent years.
2000 – 2020
There were some changes in leadership, work carried out on the building and the usual ups and downs of a small theatre but during this time the Quay thrived, offering diverse programmes and hosting some top names in pre-Tour ‘test’ events.
2020 – present
And then came Covid! The theatre closed up for over a year and then, when there was a relaxation in lock-down, a marquee was erected in the car park and events put on – but with small audiences due to social distancing. However, we survived, in part due to the Government and Arts Council support for theatres.
Once we were able to get back to ‘the new normal’ we have steadily built up our programmes and audiences, have a new management structure, taken on necessary part-time staff and have some exciting plans for the future.