Our Mission
Founded in 2018, Wells Theatre Festival brings world-class contemporary theatre to rural Somerset by inviting professional local and national companies to create bold, challenging work for audiences of all ages. Through our annual four-day festival and a year-round programme of performances, workshops, and shows for children, we reach communities who may not otherwise access theatre, keep prices low, and welcome new audiences into venues and public spaces. We open doors, build confidence, and share stories together.
Important Dates:
March 1st:
Reading of A Christmas Carol
March - July
School shows
October:
Rehearsals for CC begin
December
Mini Festival
Latest news
Queen Lear by William Shakespeare
Over the next 18 months, Wells Theatre Festival will be developing a bold new interpretation of King Lear, culminating in a full production at the 2027 festival.
A Christmas Carol. Adapted by Richard Crowe
Our Community Company will be working on A Christmas Carol, bringing this much-loved story to life in performances in December 2026.
Alongside our festival activity, we will take performances and workshops into local schools throughout the year, reaching children and young people who may not otherwise experience live theatre.
School Shows in 2026
Shows from 2025 festival
Shows from the 2024 Theatre Festival:
Instant Wit - the quick-fire comedy Improvisation show
Macbeth - Wells Community Theatre
Shed Ache - aKa Dance Theatre
Dot, the Faun and the Elfin Child - Dot.Dot.Dot Theatre Company
The Flying Bedroom Theatre Company
Courtship, Scenes from Jane Austen - Kim Hicks
Native Wit - Imule Theatre
The Shaggy Dog Tale - Front Room Theatre Company
With Thanks to all our sponsors past and present:
