Royal British Legion (Henley branch)

THE well-attended annual meeting was held on Thursday October 9, at the Menza Café at Henley Rugby Club and was followed by an informative and entertaining talk about the Kenton Theatre by its manager, Lottie Pheasant, and trustee Dennis Oliver.

Together they illustrated the history of the theatre, which opened in 1805, making it the fourth oldest in the country. It stands on land bequeathed to Robert Kenton in 1503.

A long list of celebrities have performed here over the years and it has also undergone various closures, changes of use, restorations, re-openings and condemned lighting.

It has remained open since 1967, other than the enforced closure for the best part of two years during covid.

As a result of the lockdown, the new management team in 2023 inherited a loss of £185,000 but Dennis was able to report that the new team in the subsequent two years has turned the operation around and the theatre expects to make a small surplus in the year ending in August.

With a seating capacity of 240, there has been an introduction of more theatrical, musical and cultural shows.

Lottie and Dennis acknowledged the community’s support for the theatre and its 100 volunteers (more are needed).

Finally, we must not forget the frequent sightings of Mary Blandy’s ghost.

The branch’s next gathering is for a Remembrance Day lunch, generously hosted at the Masonic Centre on November 9.

This will be followed by our Christmas lunch on December 15 at Menza Café.

For more information and enquiries about forthcoming events, email Karen Grieve on HenleyOnThames.Secretary
@RBL.community

Mollie Jeffrey