Progress Theatre is a self-governing, self-funding theatre group founded in 1946 and maintained by volunteers. As a registered charity we are committed to promoting education in the performing arts as well as producing a programme of varied, interesting and challenging drama to the highest standard.
Their intimate 96 seat venue has a fully licensed bar and is the oldest producing theatre in Reading. There is wheelchair access to the Theatre with a seat for disabled patrons and their carer, as well as a recently-installed hearing loop. Progress has a thriving Youth Theatre, a Writers’ Group, the Friends of Progress and the members themselves.
Progress Theatre enjoys good relations with the Arts and Leisure department of Reading Borough Council, and used to stage the 350-seat Reading Abbey Ruins Open Air Shakespeare in partnership with RBC each summer before the Abbey Ruins was closed for refurbishment. They now produce the Reading Open Air Shakespeare annually in the enchanting settings of Caversham Court Gardens during July.