A long time ago, the Haven Theatre Company was formed by a group of like-minded people, who wanted to act, sing, and dance.

When the new Haven Community Centre was built, a stage was included in the plans. This was just a basic stage, and it was a few years later that scenery and a curtain were added. The sound and lighting equipment was hired in the early years, until second-hand sound desk and lights were purchased.

The first pantomime was "Jack and the Beanstalk", directed by Nick Watson, assisted by Francis Lancaster, with Tom Lancaster as Stage Manager and set design. I was the Fairy. At the onset of the Haven Theatre Company, a handful of actors had children who also joined. These children have grown up and their children have joined. One big happy family.

We have had a few romances within our group over the years; resulting in three weddings and one engagement, so far. Some of our younger members leave and go off to university or move away, but amazingly they find their way back to Crawley Down and get involved with the theatre company once again.

We are a non-profit organisation, as monies collected form ticket sales goes towards the next production. It is not cheap to put on a show, with rent of rooms for rehearsals and shows, as well as chaperones, technical equipment, publicity and programmes. We also reinvest money back into the company, and have added new sound and lighting equipment to our inventory. We also have a large amount of costumes made over the years, that are updated and refitted as needed.

To stay afloat, we made the decision to increase ticket prices this year, although they are still cheaper than most. We have always believed in keeping live theatre available for all.