Introducing Footlights

Lancaster Footlights is an amateur dramatics group based at the Lancaster Grand Theatre. Founded in the 1920s, Footlights purchased the theatre in 1951 from ABC Cinemas. Over the years, it has evolved from being solely an amateur theatre group to one that, in addition to staging its own fantastic productions, also provides a venue for a range of community and professional shows. This increases the diversity of its artistic and cultural offerings and helps the charity survive and thrive. The theatre is held in trust under charity number 1198714, named "Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre," which is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). More information about the charity and its operations is available in our Strategy:

Click to read our Strategy for 2024-27

Some people join Footlights simply to be part of something vitally important to our city and its communities. By taking an interest in the charity’s activities and objectives, contributing where they can, and attending meetings such as the AGM, every little helps to ensure the charity's success. Others join because they want to be part of a thriving amateur dramatics group that offers a wide range of opportunities and roles—not just for those who want to act and tread the boards. We also have members who get involved in producing, directing, set and prop making, costumes, sound & lighting, stagehand work, and more. We even have members who shy away from the limelight but enjoy contributing their time and skills to maintaining the theatre and creating scenery, etc.

Footlights currently produces around four shows each year at the Grand Theatre. This includes a traditional December pantomime and a family production in the spring, both aimed at fostering family enjoyment and helping develop and nurture the skills of our younger members.

In addition to performances at the Theatre, "Studio Footlights" also stages productions at smaller local venues. The range of productions is broad, with the aim of offering something to appeal to every taste. Auditions for our performances are advertised on this site, in our monthly newsletter, and on social media. We are always looking for new faces, fresh ideas, and talent.

All our members receive a monthly newsletter which keeps them informed of upcoming productions, auditions, and activities as well as more general news of interest to everyone.

Why not come and join us?   You'd be very welcome.  The benefits of joining Footlights include:

• Monthly newsletter
• Free theatre tour for two people
• Two tickets to a Footlights Production
• Opportunities to act, produce, direct, get involved in props, sets, costumes, sound, lighting, back stage roles
• Voting status at the AGM
• Simply a great place to make new friends and find joy

Membership is always open. Please click on the button above to enter our members area where you can select the type of membership/s that are right for you and complete the application process.

Please note: Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO is an organisation that takes the safeguarding of children, young people, and vulnerable adults seriously. As part of our Safer Recruitment policy, depending on future roles and activities in the theatre, members may be required to complete a self-disclosure form and consent to a Standard DBS check.

Follow us on...
Facebook: @lancaster.footlights
Twitter: @lancfootlights

If you're curious about becoming a member of Lancaster Footlights or want to chat with some of our current members, we warmly invite you to join us at one of our monthly coffee mornings. These relaxed gatherings take place in the theatre foyer between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM, usually coinciding with our monthly theatre tours.

There’s no need to book, just come along, grab a coffee at the bar, and introduce yourself as a potential new member. It’s a perfect chance to ask questions, learn about membership and front-of-house volunteering, soak up the theatre atmosphere, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

For upcoming dates, our coffee mornings are held on the same days as the theatre tours. However, if you’re just coming to the coffee morning, there’s no need to book a theatre tour ticket, simply turn up and make yourself known at the coffee bar.

Please visit the Auditions page for full details, including cast lists and contact information.

Auditions page