An incredible facility at Homewood House School, The Sinden Theatre aims to bring the arts to the community

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In the heart of The Weald and nestled deep within the grounds of Homewood School in Tenterden lies a hidden gem of local entertainment: The Sinden Theatre (@thesindentheatre). With a beautiful 290-seat capacity, retractable seating, a versatile stage and a dedication to community arts, the venue punches well above its weight.

Since its opening in 2004, The Sinden has quietly played host to an eclectic mix of performers - from the late Sir Donald Sinden, its patron and namesake, to Steven Berkoff, The Fureys and West End tributes like The Jerseys and the Dolly Parton Experience. Having worn almost every hat during the past six years, Daisy Whittle takes up the role of front-of-house, theatre manager and programmer. The task to walk the line between stunning school facility and public theatre putting on enticing shows is not always an easy one, but one that Daisy relishes.

“Booking things in needs to be thought about very carefully,” says Daisy. “We can’t advertise certain shows within the school, so we can’t put things in the foyer. We’ve got to safeguard the children. It’s a tough line sometimes, but it’s great fun. I love my job.”

With the theatre being within the school grounds, the challenge also comes in making sure that the locals of Tenterden, Ashford and beyond are aware of the shows that are coming up at the theatre.

“We’ve had experiences of being in Tenterden town with people who didn’t even know we existed,” says Daisy. “We’ve got quite a good collection of locals that know about us and that come regularly to see the shows we’ve got here. And we have branched out to Ashford and Romney Marsh. So we all have little connections here, there and everywhere, and people are aware of us. But it’s trying to get past that barrier of it’s ‘Homeward School’s theatre’ to it’s ‘a theatre’, full stop.”

The Sinden shares its space with students studying drama, music and production. There are lessons during the day, tech clubs and even performance exams taking place on the main stage.

The unique symbiosis also means that the students gain valuable hands-on experience - learning lighting rigs, sound desks and front-of-house skills. “We’ve got a fantastic technician who works so hard to make sure the kids know what an AV is, or an XLR. They’re getting a head start into college or the industry.”

In fact, sixth-formers are embedded in the theatre team, working shifts front-of-house or alongside technical staff. “They’re getting real work experience and it helps them to choose which direction they’re going to go in.”

The students put on shows biannually, with The Phantom of The Opera and Les Misérables being the latest in-house productions, while the wider programme is a kaleidoscope of offerings. Local dance schools like Stardust and DNC Academy use the stage for their performances, while community events have included psychic mediums and murder-mystery dinners with cabaret seating.

Upcoming bookings include tribute acts like Oasiz, The Jerseys and Country Superstars, alongside the ever-popular adult panto - which, despite a lack of advertising space, “books up really well”, Daisy laughs.

With ticket prices averaging just £18, Daisy acknowledges the economic climate has taken its toll on audiences. “People are struggling. But we try to make everything as affordable as we can. We want everyone to have access to the arts,” she says.

That community-first approach extends to the use of the building itself. Beyond the auditorium, the site offers black-box drama rooms, a purpose-built dance studio and even a gym and catering facilities available for hire. “We’ve got loads of other spaces people can use. Even the theatre bar and terrace - you can sit in the rain and watch acoustic sets if that’s your thing!”

At its core, The Sinden is much more than a school theatre. It’s a vibrant cultural hub built on creativity, adaptability and community.

“What I love most is seeing people leave happy,” says Daisy. “There’s something really special about seeing people dancing and smiling on the way out. That’s what it’s all about.”

INFO: www.sindentheatre.com