The Gable End Theatre Company Limited was born in 2000 when work started to transform the semi-derelict old school buildings at North Walls into a community theatre.  

There was already a thriving amateur dramatic group on the island and it was their desire to have a permanent base from which to work that provided the impetus for the project. They continue to perform an annual pantomime, contribute to the SCDA One-Act Play Festival and facilitate other amateur stage performances.

The stage and auditorium were completed in early 2001, including the rebuilding of the ruined gable from which the theatre takes it name. Many of the fittings were salvaged from the old Phoenix Cinema in Kirkwall, including the comfortable velvet seats.

Phase two included construction of the foyer and the steady upgrading of sound and lighting equipment.

We have recently raised the money to erect a wind turbine that will heat the building and provide some income. We are currently seeking funding for a new kitchen and link between the foyer and the rehearsal/workshop space.

COME AND SEE OUR NEXT SHOW!

The Gable End has an atmosphere all of its own and seeing a show in such an intimate setting is a special event - indeed, many performers cite us as their favourite venue. All our shows are advertised in local shops and post offices as well as in the passenger lounges of the ferry. See our listings and reviews below or visit us on Facebook

Regular previews of what is coming up can be found in the local press, and don't forget to listen to Radio Orkney's daily diary where we publicise each event.

Most music and drama events have a licensed bar ~ coffee and ice cream are available in the foyer before films.

The theatre seats seventy-five people, so although it is advisable to book for popular shows there are usually places available on the night. The Gable End Theatre is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status. As such, we need good audience numbers to cover our costs, so do come and support us and have a great night out!

Gable End film Society @ Gable End Theatre

With dates very restricted this autumn/winter, there are some films we'd have like to have had but just couldn't find space for. It also means we've had to use more Saturday dates than we'd have wished (apologies to badminton folk).

But there will be no films at all in January-March when the theatre is closed for refurbishments.   All paid-up film society members will have a three-month extension on their subscriptions.

One glaring gap on the list is THE GREAT WHITE SILENCE, the restored film by Herbert Ponting of the Scott expedition.   We hope to have this at our reopening at the end of March, in a programme to mark two death centenaries: that of  Scott and that of James Petrie Chalmers, the Orkney pioneer of film journalism.

Something else to celebrate: some time in the late spring we'll be arriving at our 200th film programme!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR PAST PROGRAMME

The theatre continues to attract top level performers from all over the world. It is impossible to itemise all our shows but the following list gives a flavour of the variety on offer.

Quimantu ~ internationally acclaimed South American Group.

National Theatre of Scotland ~ world premiere of 'Venus as a Boy'

Hohodza ~ fourteen piece music and dance group from Zimbabwe.

Splinters Productions ~ 'For the Islands I sing' (George Mackay-Brown)

Bajaly Suso (Gambia) Phamie Gow (Borders) ~ international double bill featuring the Kora of West Africa and the Celtic clarsach.

Frances M Lynch ~ 'She' an outrageous electronic voice performance.

Ivan Drever ~ former frontman of the legendary folk outfit Wolfstone goes solo.

Salt Fish Forty ~ Douglas Montgomery and Brian Cromarty, two of Orkney's finest musicians come together at last

The Spike Drivers ~ an Orkney Blues Festival event.

Zenwing Puppets ~ east european folk tales.

Tango Siempre ~ four piece orchestra with a wide repertoire of  traditional and contemporary tango music.

Shoot the Piper ~ one of Orkney's premier dance bands.

The Stave Natives ~ Orkney's newest rock band making their debut on stage here on Hoy.

Theatre Modo ~ from Glasgow bring us award- winning professional theatre with Ubu.

Emily Smith Band ~ folk rock trio fronted by Scotland's 2002 Young Musician of the year.

Fish ~ Hoy And Walls Entertainment Group's surreal home grown playtomime

Xenos ~ Tasmania -based Balkan Gypsy band.

La Boum ~ nine piece jazz  rock ensemble

Salsa Celtica ~ internationally renowned 12 piece musical experience.

Eric Bogle & John Munro ~ the legendary Australian singer/songwriter.

Hank Wangford and Reg Meuross ~ Country and Western from a laconic duo.

Club Tromolo ~ thirteen piece cabaret. 

Two Ghost Stories by MR James ~ performed in suitably gothic style by Roger Lloyd-Parry
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