Formby Little Theatre: Nearly 80 Years of Community, Creativity and Live Theatre at the Heart of the Village

A Cornerstone of Culture in the Village: The Story of Formby Little Theatre.

Tucked away on Lonsdale Road sits one of Formby’s true cultural gems, Formby Little Theatre, a place where stories have been brought to life for generations and where the community has always been centre stage.

The theatre’s story begins back in 1947, when a passionate group of local people calling themselves The Fellowship Players staged a production of Flare Path by Terence Rattigan at Holy Trinity Church Hall. That single production lit the spark for what would eventually become Formby Little Theatre – a space created by the community, for the community.

For decades, productions continued in temporary venues, driven by volunteers and a shared love of theatre. A major milestone came in 1984, when a permanent stage was built on the current site. From that moment on, plays have been performed there continuously, making Formby Little Theatre the only permanent community theatre in Formby – something it remains immensely proud of today.

Over the years, the theatre has built a loyal following of patrons from Formby and the surrounding areas. Many audience members return time and again, not just for the quality of the productions, but for the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit feel special.

What to expect when you visit:

A night at Formby Little Theatre is about far more than just the performance. From the moment you arrive, friendly Front of House volunteers are on hand to welcome you and guide you to the Box Office, where tickets are checked and programmes are available.

Before the curtain rises, you can relax in the bar area, enjoy a drink from the well-stocked bar, or order interval refreshments in advance. Tea and coffee are also available, freshly prepared by the volunteer team. When the interval arrives, drinks and hot refreshments are waiting for you, clearly labelled, so you can make the most of the break without queuing.

You’re welcome to take a drink into the auditorium, and after the final curtain call, the bar remains open. This gives audiences the chance to chat about the play, catch up with friends, meet new people – and often even share a drink with members of the cast, who regularly join patrons after performances.

It’s this relaxed, friendly experience that makes the theatre such a cherished part of village life.

A theatre run with heart

Formby Little Theatre is a registered charity (258881) and is powered by volunteers who care deeply about keeping live theatre thriving in the village. From performers and directors to bar staff and front-of-house teams, it’s a true community effort – and one that continues to enrich Formby’s cultural life nearly 80 years after it began.

Contact details:

Formby Little Theatre

123 Lonsdale Road

Formby

L37 3HF

📧 info@formbylittletheatre.co.uk

Box Office:

📞 07903 963508

📧 boxoffice@formbylittletheatre.co.uk

You can also find and follow Formby Little Theatre on Facebook to keep up to date with upcoming productions, auditions and events.

From its humble beginnings in a church hall to its place today as a much-loved village institution, Formby Little Theatre continues to prove that local stories, local talent and local support can create something truly special.