Lockdown has been an opportunity to do some concentrated work on the Archive. Several different collections have been reorganised into a single collection. In the process a lot of new material has come to light, and more than 500 images have been added to the Website, some of which are featured here.
The Little Theatre has produced 395 full-length plays, from its origin in 1924, till the present day. 365 of these plays (92%) are now represented in the archive, illustrated by photos, programmes, and occasionally by other documents, such as press cuttings and posters. At the moment, there are only 30 plays, for which we have no material. These date from the early years, 1924-37 (before the theatre went into the Ground Floor); the mid 1940s; the second half of the 1970s; and the first part of the 1980s.
We would love to fill these gaps, and we welcome any new material you might be able to contribute. We are missing quite a few programmes, especially from the 1970s and 1980s, which might still be out there!
The theatre Archive now has 541 items, mainly in the performance, miscellany and programme categories, but with a growing selection of Posters (62 items), Sets (40 items), and Theatre Venues (10 items). Around 4,000 images have been uploaded to the Website Library.
It has been suggested that we might produce a commemorative history of the theatre for the Centenary, in 2024. Let us know what you think of this idea.
Excellent idea to produce a commemorative history of HBLT for the centenary in 2024 ! You mention gaps in the Archive : hopefully further digging in lofts , etc will unearth missing photos and programmes. I certainly will have another look !
Thanks, Anita. Please do!