The Miller Centre

The Miller Centre

The Miller Centre was opened in October 1977. Its aim is to provide a friendly atmosphere and a workplace where people who miss the companionship of others can find a sense of purpose by helping to run a community theatre.

Originally a church and then a school, the premises were converted to a day centre and theatre by The Park Hill Trust - a registered charity that aims to improve the quality of life for older people in retirement.

Activities are organised during the day by The Miller Centre Club and the The Miller Centre Players stage regular productions in the theatre.

The theatre has 198 seats (108 raked) and can be adapted for both proscenium arch and in the round productions. It is also used as a cinema once a month to show modern blockbusters and classic films.

The stage has a variable speed revolve and the theatre contains excellent technical equipment to enhance productions.

Other facilities include meeting rooms, a studio, a well-equipped workshop and a wardrobe department.

The centre was named after Dorothy Miller, founder of the Caterham Players in 1945.

Theatre Company

The Miller Centre Theatre Company

The Miller Centre Players was formed in 1991 following a merger of the Miller Centre Workshop and the Caterham Players.

Nine productions are staged each season, each running for nine performances. Rehearsals normally run for six weeks (three weeks in the Studio and three weeks in the theatre) and are usually held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8pm with one or two Sunday afternoons. Auditions are open to non-members although membership is required for participation in a production.

Anyone not wishing to tread the boards will find ample opportunity for involvement in a live theatre environment as all aspects of the productions are undertaken by members whether it be stage management, lighting, sound, wardrobe, set design and construction or scenery painting. Lack of experience is no barrier - our aim is for enjoyment coupled with a sense of achievement and the satisfaction of earning a good reputation with our audience.

In 2010, the name of the charity was changed to The Miller Centre Theatre Company although the previous name, Miller Centre Players, was retained as a registered working name.

A regular newsletter, ‘On Stage’, keeps members informed and new members are always welcome.

The Miller Centre Theatre Company is a registered charity (No 1044236) and is managed by a board of trustees, elected annually.

The Miller Centre Club

The Miller Centre Club

During the day, The Miller Centre is a meeting place for groups of people, some of whom have volunteered to help with the Centre and others who come along to enjoy a wide range of interests.

This range of activities, available to Club members only, is many and varied and includes book clubs, bridge, a camcorder club, crafts, folk dancing, painting, scrabble, Tai Chi and table tennis. There is also a thriving lunch club and a monthly film in the theatre. Coach trips are regularly arranged to places of interest.

Members are also invited to assist in the running of the theatre by helping in the box office during the week and providing the front of house personnel during the productions.

An Open Coffee Morning is held every Friday at 11:30am when anyone interested in more information can join regular members and make new friends.

A committee, elected annually by the members, manages the Club.

For more information about joining the Miller Centre Club, or for a copy of our Welcome Booklet, please contact the Box Office on 01883 349850.