In 1956 a group of Shinfield residents felt there was a need for live theatre in Shinfield and the surrounding area. On the 12th January 1956, a small group of potential thespians met at St Mary's church hall in Shinfield, and so the Shinfield Players were born. After many years of playing in church halls and schools, and in need for a permanent home, it was discovered that temporary buildings on the RAF camp at Shinfield Park were being auctioned. After some delicate negotiations with the Ministry of Defence, they were granted permission to erect a theatre on the piece of land which was the main gate to the RAF Station. For 2 years many volunteers cleared the site, dismantled this building and erected it on its current site; converting it into a theatre. On the 12th April 1973, the theatre opened its doors to the public. Since the theatre opened its doors it has survived many traumas with such things as the stage roof blowing off in a gale, the whole electrical system being condemned and the roof over the stage collapsing.

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