About the Vera Fletcher Hall

The Vera Fletcher Hall - "The Theatre in Thames Ditton" - in Embercourt Road, is the old Victorian Village Hall built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee as a gift to the community from local benefactor Hannibal Speer, Lord of the Manor of Weston. A hundred years later the Hall was faced with demolition. With active support and fund-raising by the Residents' Association, and a starting donation from Harry Fletcher in memory of his wife, Vera, the necessary half a million pounds was raised to restore the Hall to a well-equipped, intimate theatre/concert hall/pocket opera house by night, providing a space for classes, meetings and a Day Centre by day. Not many small theatres, let alone village halls, have been able to attract stars such as Petula Clark - who opened the Hall-, Dorothy Tutin, Denis Quilley, Janet Suzman, John Julius Norwich, Susannah York, the English National Opera and the Royal Shakespeare Company with their "Shakespeare Revue". The Hall has notably introduced many to opera, on a small scale but of high quality at affordable prices; and, above all, accessible. Rising stars such as the pianist Tanya Ursova, and local drama and music groups also present excellent performances. We work with the local schools and thousands of children have been introduced to live theatre for the first time. The Hall provides a focus for the local community and we have supported many local charities who have raised over £150,000 through shows and fund raising events there.

The Vera Fletcher Hall boasts a good stage with first-class lighting and sound facilities, and can seat 126 in a configurable open area front of stage. There are cafe and toilet facilities, a licensed bar, a small Committee Room, a modern kitchen with dishwasher, and central heating. It is easy to get to the Hall, which is fifty yards from Thames Ditton railway station and less from the nearest bus stop. Parking is not a problem on the roads nearby. Map

The Vera Fletcher Hall serves as the Ember Day Centre, providing older residents with regular opportunities to meet, socialise and engage in activities such as art, bridge and Tai Chi classes.

Classes are also available for other groups: bridge, art, aerobics, amateur dramatics....

You may hire the Vera Fletcher Hall at very reasonable rates for your shows, classes, meetings, parties and private functions.

Hiring:

Mrs Helen Mason
Tel:08456 528 529 (Mon-Fri 0900 – 1700)

52 Thistledene
Thames Ditton
KT7 OYJ

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There is an active group of 'Friends of the Vera Fletcher Hall' whose support, along with that of the Thames Ditton and Weston Green Residents' Association, helps the Hall to prosper. You may wish to become a Friend of the Hall. Subscription helps to ensure continuing high quality facilities and performances, and demonstrates local support which is advantageous when competing for public and charitable grants. Friends enjoy certain privileges such as priority booking and an invitation to our splendid Christmas Party

To become a Friend of the Hall please email Membership Secretary Sue Morris