MADDERMARKET THEATRE

Just off Pottergate, down the narrow St John’s Alley, is The Maddermarket Theatre, a small unassuming community theatre and Norwich’s theatrical gem.

In a courtyard with its distinctive black and white Tudor beams, The Maddermarket Theatre building dates back to 1794 and was a Roman Catholic Chapel with the priests living next door in Stranger’s Hall.

The name of the theatre comes from the site of the madder market, madder being a dye for the medieval textile industry which made Norwich the UK’s second city. In 1921 the theatre became the resident home of the Norwich Players, a troupe of amateur actors founded in 1911 by Nugent Monck, the first company in the World to have performed all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays under the same producer. With a vaulted ceiling giving excellent acoustics and a gallery on three sides, with an ‘Apron’ style stage being added, it was destined for Shakespearean productions as an Elizabethan style playhouse.

During the Player’s height they performed 12 shows a year and had an on-site wardrobe and workshop building some elaborate and impressive sets. There is nothing amateur about the Player’s level of dedication and professionalism with over 2,000 productions to date they are continuing to perform a diverse range of productions.

Today, The Maddermarket thrives with a full programme of Norwich Player shows, music, comedy, drama, events, talks and visiting companies. It is all for the love of the theatre, as a charitable organisation, they are run by volunteers and could not exist without them. The volunteers include management, backstage, on the stage and front of house. Would you like to join The Maddermarket as a volunteer?

For acting opportunities check out their website.

Tours are available which can last around 1 hour, contact the boxoffice@maddermarket.co.uk

To hire costumes, the auditorium, studio or bar see here.

The Maddermarket Theatre
St John’s Alley
Norwich
NR2 1DR

Box Office 01603 620917