Get Involved with the Harlequin Theatre
The Harlequin Theatre is Northwich’s local community theatre, proudly rooted in the town since 1946 - and still thriving today thanks to the dedication of volunteers.
Our History
The Harlequin Players Club first formed in Northwich in 1946 as part of the local Arts and Music Society. The original group consisted of just 32 members, and legend has it that there was even a pillar in the centre of the stage during their very first production.
The group’s journey has taken it from the Coachman in Hartford, to Greenbank, where performances were staged in a barn behind the pub, before finally settling into its permanent home in 1984 at Queen Street — now known as the Harlequin Theatre. This has been our base ever since.
More about the history of the Harlequins can be read HERE.
The Theatre Today
The Harlequin Theatre is a black box theatre, seating 96 audience members per performance. Over the years, the Harlequins have built a strong reputation as one of Cheshire’s leading amateur theatre groups, presenting some of the county’s most memorable and award-winning theatrical experiences.
Each season (September to June), we stage:
Six main season productions
One Youth Theatre production
We have also recently introduced Harlequin Studio productions — shorter runs performed over two nights, with smaller casts and a more minimalist approach to set and staging. These productions allow us to explore new work, fresh ideas, and different ways of telling stories.
In September 2013, our Youth Section was launched and has gone from strength to strength. Our young performers regularly play to sell-out audiences and have won a number of awards, becoming a vital and exciting part of the theatre’s future.
Volunteers at the Heart of What We Do
The Harlequin Theatre has always been run by volunteers, and we rely on their time, skills and enthusiasm to keep the theatre alive. The fact that we have been part of Northwich’s community for nearly eight decades is entirely down to those who have volunteered in the past - and those who continue to do so today.
There are many ways to get involved, including:
Front of House – welcoming audiences and helping on the bar
Backstage & Technical – stage crew, props, costume and stage management
Workers’ Days – dedicated days focusing on theatre maintenance and upkeep
On Stage – acting and performance opportunities
Committees & Support Roles – including publicity, marketing and organisational support
Our What’s On programme includes both Harlequin Theatre productions and visiting local groups who use our stage. In the past year, many of our own productions have sold out, and with continued community support, we aim to build on this success.
Join Us
We are always looking to expand our membership and welcome new volunteers from the local community — whether you want to learn new skills, meet new people, support the arts, or simply be part of something special in Northwich.
If you’d like to chat about volunteering or becoming a member, please get in touch and explore what we do online.
The Harlequin Theatre has always belonged to its community — and we’d love you to be part of its next chapter.