Happy 80th Birthday Priory Theatre!

Priory Theatre's first production, 80 years ago!

On 8 April, as the Priory Theatre team prepare to raise the curtain on their latest production, Come From Away, they also celebrate a truly special milestone - the day the Priory Theatre first opened its doors in 1946.

The Priory story began in 1932 with the Kenilworth Players, who performed on a portable stage in the old Abbey Hotel Ballroom. After the disruption of war, the company was reborn, transforming a disused chapel into a permanent home. On 8 April 1946, the Priory Theatre came to life, with a stage built from timber that had once carried aircraft across the Atlantic.

The cast.

The local press described the theatre as “cosy and intimate” – characteristics we’re proud to say still define the experience today.

Newspaper cutting at the time.

The first production, Ivor Novello’s Fresh Fields, was a tremendous success - so much so that, 80 years later, the theatre continues to thrive.

Their latest production is: Come Away From. The book, music and lyrics are by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Director is Nicky Main and Musical Director is James Harragan. Come Away From runs at the Priory Theatre, Kenilworth from 8 – 18 April 2026.

Priory Theatre venue 80 years ago.

Discover more and book tickets: https://www.priorytheatre.co.uk/