Chesham is a town steeped in history, and one of its most cherished buildings is The Little Theatre by the Park. Formerly known as The Temperance Hall, this quaint establishment has been a cornerstone of Chesham’s cultural landscape for over a century. Now, with great excitement, we are delighted to announce that on behalf of Chesham Town Council, The Elgiva is taking on the management of this historic venue, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
A little trip through history…
The journey of The Little Theatre by the Park began in 1852 when the Chesham Temperance Society acquired two cottages in Church Street for £152. Over the years, the Society expanded its premises, purchasing the adjoining cottage, once the town lock-up, in 1886 for £77. The Temperance Hall became a focal point for community gatherings, promoting the values of temperance and providing a space for various social events.
In 1958, the Chesham Urban District Council purchased the Temperance Hall from the Temperance Society with a ‘restrictive covenant’ in place, prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors on the premises. While this marked a transition of ownership, the building’s purpose remained dedicated to serving the community.
As the years passed, the hall underwent transformations, eventually being refurbished in 2003 and rebranded as The Little Theatre by the Park. It continued to host a variety of performances and societies, enriching the cultural life of Chesham.
Looking to the future
Now, The Elgiva, known for its commitment to providing diverse and accessible arts experiences, is thrilled to take on the responsibility of managing The Little Theatre by the Park. This transition ensures the continued preservation of this vital piece of Chesham’s heritage while expanding opportunities for cultural enrichment.
“We are delighted to be able to take over the care and maintenance of one of Chesham’s long standing buildings,” says Elgiva Manager, David Cooper. “It will allow us to expand and develop our wide-ranging programme and continue to celebrate our ethos of Elgiva for Everyone. While there will obviously be a period of adjustment and some work to be done, we can’t wait to get started and look forward to sharing our plans for this new venture with our community later this year.”
The Elgiva’s stewardship promises to uphold the legacy of The Little Theatre by the Park while injecting fresh energy and creativity into its programming. From classic plays to contemporary performances, and from film and live music to community events, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
As The Elgiva embarks on this exciting journey, we celebrate the rich history of The Little Theatre by the Park and the generations of Chesham residents who have contributed to its legacy. With The Elgiva at the helm, the future of this cherished venue shines bright, ensuring it will remain a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.
For information on booking the venue or for any queries, please contact our Events team on [email protected]