In September 1954 five drama enthusiasts got together to form a Drama Company. They named it The Whipton Drama Company which later became The Exeter Drama Company.
Each of the five people contributed £5 to get the company started and the subscription for members was set at 5 shillings a year!
The first play was Ladies in Retirement by Ward Percy and Reginald Denham in 1955.
The first production under the name of The Exeter Drama Company was Pinocchio in 1958.

In 1959 the Company moved to Stepcote Hill. The first play performed here was Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward.

We are still a very active company and continue to put on a varied programme with four productions each year.
Plays over the years have included most subjects imaginable - comedy, tragedy, murder mysteries, ghost stories, pantomimes, farce and thrillers.

Associate members receive details of our forthcoming programme four times per year and can buy tickets to whichever of these plays they wish to see.
Members are actively involved in the running of the theatre - everything from acting on the stage to making the tea/coffee for the audience on production nights.

Take a look at the How we put a Play Together page to see how it all works.

Membership is currently running at 50 members and over 300 people are on our mailing list and regularly come to see our plays.
Our club night is Monday evening where all full members can come and meet. There is usually a rehearsal underway for the next play.

Sadly, time and the elements have conspired against us and the Trustees of the hall have now informed us that we shall have to leave. The search for a new home is underway. Our dream is to raise enough money to buy our own theatre ...please help us by contributing.

From March 2008, we rehearse in an annexe at Alphington Village Hall. Our performances are staged in various locations in Exeter, so see our next play page to see where our next performance will be held.