Enigma Theatre
Theatre Company based in Elmbridge
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Founded in 2012, we are a theatre company based in Elmbridge, Surrey.
The company is committed to providing opportunities for emerging talent to gain experience in theatre in high quality productions. We are enthusiastic and very serious about what we do - but we also believe it should be fun!
Announcing our 2019 Production
01/06/2019
Our upcoming production will be a piece of new writing, premiering as part of the R C Sherriff Trust's Watch This Space Festival in October.
D.R.A.M: The Dramatic Regional Association of Muchleymarsh
by Stephen Alexander
24th - 26th October 2019 at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames.
A comedy of amateur dramatics – and dramatic amateurs.
In the little-known Shropshire village of Muchleymarsh, the local amateur dramatic society (known to its followers as D.R.A.M.) has long been a staple of the community. None of the villagers seem to notice, however, that D.R.A.M. is probably the worst theatrical group in England – or at least the West Midlands. When Kay, the chairwoman’s daughter, is forced to step in and direct their next production, she finds she must battle with difficult egos and a host of quirky characters, and face just as much drama offstage as on.
Enigma to return this year
21/04/2019
After a hiatus, we are pleased to report that Enigma Theatre will be returning with a new production this October.
More details to follow, so watch this space!
New Logo
20/04/2019
We have a brand new logo, as can be seen at the top of this page and on our social media! Could this be a sign of things to come...?
Comic Potential
14/07/2016
Our gallery has finally been updated with photos from our most recent production, COMIC POTENTIAL at the New Wimbledon Studio. Photography by Spencer Trim-West.
08/02/2016
Our fundraising event, Sherlock Holmes: An Evening of Mystery, was huge fun and well-received by those who came along. Thank you to all who supported us!
Tickets onsale for COMIC POTENTIAL
22/01/2016
You can now book tickets for COMIC POTENTIAL at both the Riverhouse Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames (31st March 2016) and the New Wimbledon Studio, London (2nd-6th April 2016)!
12/12/2015
We are excited to announce that, on Sunday 7th February, we will be hosting an evening of dramatic readings from the Sherlock Holmes canon by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, held at Riverhouse in Walton. Tickets are £10 and can be booked here; all funds raised are to go towards upcoming Enigma productions. Deerstalkers and pipes at the ready!
"A cast of professional actors take you on an enigmatic adventure through some of Doyle's most intriguing stories, featuring the famous Great Detective and his faithful assistant Dr. Watson."
DOUBT comes to an end
05/11/2015
Our run of DOUBT finished on Saturday. Feedback from the production was positive; audiences found it a compelling and moving piece of drama. See photos from the dress rehearsal in the gallery.
DOUBT interview on Brooklands Radio
21/10/2015
Yesterday on 20th October we were lucky enough to be featured on Brooklands Radio, to promote DOUBT. Check it out below!
03/10/2015
Check out our new publicity shots for DOUBT featuring Simon Donohue and Maggie Robson.
05/09/2015
Our upcoming production, DOUBT: A Parable, is now cast. We are pleased to welcome to the Enigma family Simon Donohue (as Father Flynn), Maggie Robson (as Sister Aloysius), Heather Warne (as Sister James) and Nicola Alexis (as Mrs Muller). Rehearsals start in just over a week!
12/07/2015
We are delighted to be welcoming back Anett Black, who designed set and costume for PYGMALION, to work with us on DOUBT: A Parable. Anett has recently been working with Guildford Shakespeare Company on their productions of King Lear and The Taming of the Shrew, as well as an open-air production of The Wind in the Willows at the Watts Gallery.
Production announcement - DOUBT: A Parable
29/03/2015
Enigma Theatre are set to return in October with a tightly-wrapped thriller, DOUBT: A Parable, by American playwright John Patrick Shanley.
St. Nicholas Catholic School, New York, 1964. A year after President Kennedy’s assassination, uncertainty fills the air, but, according to progressive priest Father Flynn, “Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.” Meanwhile, austere school principal Sister Aloysius has her own doubts about Father Flynn’s moral conduct. As she wages war and vows to bring him down, he strongly protests his innocence. Without proof, the only thing certain is doubt.
Stimulating, witty and powerfully dark, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning thriller is a gripping mystery wrapped in an Enigma...
DOUBT was turned into a 2008 Oscar-nominated film starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
The production will run at the Riverhouse Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames, from 28th - 31st October 2015. More news on this exciting project as it develops!
The future for Enigma!
22/03/2015
Dear supporters of Enigma Theatre,
After our extremely successful production of PYGMALION last year, the company's future was somewhat uncertain, due largely to funding concerns. I am very pleased to report, however, that it is not yet the end for Enigma. In fact, on the strength of PYGMALION, the R C Sherriff Trust, who have always been very generous to the company, have agreed to continue supporting us. We are of course enormously grateful for this! Funding is never an easy job, and we are pleased to be recognised by both the R C Sherriff Trust and the Charity of Robert Phillips as a valuable part of the local arts scene, as a provider of high-quality theatre. With that, keep a look out for an announcement very soon about our next production!
Sadly I must also report that Enigma's Associate Director, Ricky Zalman, has decided to leave the company for the time being in order to pursue his acting career. I would like to wish him the very best, and to thank him for his input and support over the last two years.
Thank you once again to all of you - keep your eyes peeled for that production announcement!
Best wishes,
Stephen Willis
Artistic Director
PYGMALION closes; new material added to website
04/11/2014
Our run of PYGMALION finished on Saturday night. Audience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, which you can read here. Have a look at photos from the production (taken during the dress rehearsal), and listen to the audio version of "We're Always Talking Eliza", the interview with cast members.
Opening Night Review of PYGMALION
30/10/2014
PYGMALION opened very successfully last night, and Tara Ward was present to review the show for Essential Surrey. "Engaging, uplifting: very much deserved its full house." Read her full review here!
PYGMALION Trailer
21/10/2014
Check out our new trailer for PYGMALION below!
"We're Always Talking Eliza" - Interview
19/10/2014
You can now read an online transcript of the interview we conducted with PYGMALION cast members. We also hope to make the audio recording of the interview available as a podcast in the near future.
Box office issue now resolved
19/10/2014
It has come to our attention that there has recently been an issue with the online booking system for the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, specifically involving PayPal. This has meant that some of you have had difficulty in booking tickets for PYGMALION. Riverhouse staff have confirmed to us that the issue is now resolved, and that they have contacted those affected. If you are in doubt, please contact the box office to make sure on 01932 253354. There should not be any further booking issues!
PYGMALION Press Photos
20/09/2014
See the new album in our gallery for some lovely promotional shots of our cast!
Rehearsals begin for PYGMALION
02/09/2014
Last Sunday, PYGMALION rehearsals got under way with a full cast readthrough. The show promises to be a real treat! Tickets are selling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment!
PYGMALION Cast Announcement
05/08/2014
After a long and thorough audition process, we are delighted to reveal the cast for PYGMALION; see the image below and click to enlarge. We are very excited to begin rehearsals and start working with the cast!
05/08/14
It is with regret that we must inform you of our decision to cancel the second run of PYGMALION at the Hampton Hill Playhouse. This was due to take place in February 2015, but, owing to a combination of unforeseen circumstances, it is sadly no longer viable for us to make the transfer this time.
This is not a decision we make lightly, and of course we are disappointed, but we are now fully focused on producing a great show at the Riverhouse Arts Centre.
Website News
23/06/14
We have now added more details about past productions. You can view a page dedicated to each production by clicking on the corresponding flyer on the Past Productions page.
Ricky's sky dive: UPDATE
19/05/14
Last month, Ricky jumped from 12,000ft for Bowel Cancer UK. The total amount raised was £1,000, doubling the initial target of £500. Ricky is thrilled and extremely grateful for all the support.
Anett Black joins the creative team
04/05/14
We are pleased to announce that set and costumes for PYGMALION will be designed by Anett Black, MA.
Anett trained at the London College of Fashion and has worked in ballet, opera and theatre. We are delighted that Anett has joined the creative team for the show and look forward to working with her as she turns her talents to Edwardian London.
PYGMALION to transfer
27/04/14
We are delighted to announce that, after its initial run at the Riverhouse Arts Centre in Autumn 2014, our production of PYGMALION will transfer to the Hampton Hill Playhouse from 5th - 7th February 2015.
Ricky's sky dive for Bowel Cancer UK
18/02/14
Enigma's Associate Director, Ricky Zalman, is raising money for Bowel Cancer UK by jumping out of a plane in April. Please sponsor him if you can, via his JustGiving page.
Next Production: PYGMALION
16/02/14
We are pleased to announce that our next production will be Bernard Shaw's PYGMALION. Visit the Upcoming Productions page for more information, and watch this space for updates!
25/01/2014
We have now added photos from the dress rehearsal of COMIC POTENTIAL to the Gallery. They were taken by the superb Matthew W Keel. We have also added some comments from audience members, which you can find on the Past Productions page.
Enigma Newsletter
27/12/2013
We are preparing to launch a regular newsletter so that you can keep up to date with Enigma Theatre. We have exciting news coming up, so click here to sign up to our mailing list so you won't miss anything!
03/11/2013
Our run of COMIC POTENTIAL finished on Saturday 2nd November to two more sell-out audiences. The feedback we've had has been great - thanks to all who came and supported us.
21/10/2013
All performances of COMIC POTENTIAL are now SOLD OUT! You can still phone the Riverhouse box office on 01932 253354 on the day to check for returns.
09/10/2013
On Tuesday 7th October we were fortunate enough to attend the 20th Anniversary celebrations for the R C Sherriff Trust, who have consistently supported both Enigma and Fast & Loose. It was a very enjoyable evening and we were very pleased to have been invited. Here's to the next 20 years!
20/09/2013
Due to unforeseen circumstances, actor Michael Mitcham is regrettably no longer able to perform in COMIC POTENTIAL. The role of Adam will now be played by Ricky Zalman.
09/09/2013
Tickets for our current production, COMIC POTENTIAL, are available now! Click here to book.
25/08/2013
Rehearsals for COMIC POTENTIAL kicked off today with a full cast script readthrough. The cast are a lovely bunch!
19/08/2013
Our crowd-funding page has now closed. We are overwhelmed by the support we received, and wish to say a massive thank you to all who contributed! Through Sponsume we managed to raise a total of £454, which, when added to our other sources of income, will make a significant difference to the production. Thank you!
If you would still like to sponsor us, we are very happy to receive private donations. Please contact us to arrange this.
COMIC POTENTIAL Cast Announced!
11/08/2013
We are very pleased to announce that our autumn production, COMIC POTENTIAL, now has a face! Below are the headshots of our lovely cast. (Click to enlarge.) Rehearsals start in two weeks!
