In the aftermath of the Second World War a group of friends formed Hayling Island Amateur Dramatic Society (‘HIADS’) and soon found a home in the Barn Theatre, performing plays from 1950 until the mid 1990s.
In 1992 the Society heard that they would soon have to leave the Barn, and a determined group of members made a plan to convert the old goods shed at the site of Hayling Island Railway Station (closed in 1963) into a 144 seat theatre.
With the backing of Havant Borough Council a massive fund raising effort was started involving a huge effort by HIADS members to deploy every conceivable money-making scheme. The society estimates that the members put in an estimated 30,000 hours of effort on the building, and with fund-raising and applications for grants.
The wholly volunteer run theatre has comfortable raked seats, its own car park and a licensed bar and art gallery. The box office is open six days a week for two hours a day and online booking is available. New members are always welcome and there is plenty of opportunity to work in lighting, sound, wardrobe, set building, props and stage management, front of house as well as treading the boards.
The Station Theatre is now used for HIADS drama, ranging from light comedy and panto to classic pieces and also for films and visiting professional groups and local dance and musical societies. There is a thriving youth group (‘HIYA’) that participates in adult plays and has its own production once a year.
If you are interested in seeing a show or taking part telephone 023 9246 6363 or call in between 10.00 and noon or see our website www.hiads.org.uk