The Heron Theatre is a small, 80 seat, theatre housed in a listed building, which was originally one of the old two-room Grammar Schools of the 18th century. The village of Beetham is just off the A6, between Carnforth and Milnthorpe, on the southern fringes of the Lake District.

The theatre traces its origins to 1948, when a local headmaster formed an ambitious amateur dramatic group in South Westmorland. It flourished through the years, mainly through the performance of plays, together with film shows and literary events. From 1966 the Society developed its former rehearsal and storage space and in 1985 it was able to purchase the freehold of the old grammar school in Beetham. With the help of a substantial grant from the Lottery, it improved its facilities and developed the listed building into a compact and attractive studio theatre.
A particular feature alongside the entrance is The Heron Sculpture

The theatre is now owned by a registered charity, 'The Heron', and is administered by an elected management committee, who are its trustees. All management, administration and technical work is carried out by an interested group of volunteers. We are always glad to have offers of help in any area of theatre work, plus assistance for the box office, coffee and bar staff, administration and publicity. Currently we especially need people to help with technical matters (light and sound) and practical stage management. If you would like to offer your skills (or even acquire them) then please contact
Stuart Newton, Artistic Director, Tel: 07966 152247 or email artisticdirector@theherontheatre.com

We run a regular, fortnightly, programme of plays, films, revues, lectures and musical events from September to May. These are performed by visiting professional or semi-professional companies, local choirs, and instrumental groups, for good audiences, comprising Members and the public; some events often being sold out. There is a membership scheme, with regular newsletters, giving advance notice and priority booking opportunities. See Contacts for further details.