This year Wells Little Theatre celebrates 120 years since its very first performance.

The Society was formed in 1901 put on its first show in 1902. Back then it was referred to as Wells Operatic Society.

In those days, the Society performed only one show a year, mainly operas. Not having a theatre of its own, the Town Hall was used for its productions. Shows continued each Easter until 1914, until World War I put an end to the performances.

After the war, the Society began to perform again, and became affiliated to NODA (National Operatic and Drama Association). Shows carried on until 1938, until World War II meant that the entertainment had to once again be put on pause.

The Society was restarted in 1950 and productions were moved to the Regal Cinema, where it continued to present an annual Opera or Operetta.

In 1969 the Society was offered a lease option on the current building from Mendip District Council. Over time, The Society was able to buy the building from Mendip and owned it fully, by 1979.

It became the Society's permanent home and was named 'The Little Theatre'.

Previously, the building was best known as the boy's building of Wells Blue Grammar School. When the Society purchased the building, considerable work was required to change the interior from rows of classrooms to space for the stage, auditorium, dressing rooms and a licensed bar. Later, the rear part of the auditorium was raised so that people in the rear seats had a better view of the stage. Over the years, an orchestra pit was created, the stage right wings were added, and the auditorium was given a total refurbishment.

 In 1978 the Society became a Limited Company and a registered charity. Now, The Society typically produces four amateur productions a year, along with other theatrical events by touring companies.

Chairman of the Wells Little Theatre Committee, Ken Edmonds, said: "We are proud that Wells Little Theatre has been providing entertainment in the city for 120 years, we feel a valued part of the community and long may this continue.

"We always try to offer a varied programme for our audiences and our membership and coming up we have The Wizard of Oz in December, a comedy play Forget-Me-Knot in March, Avenue Q in April and The Tempest next September, which hopefully gives something for everyone."

Find out more about Wells Little Theatre HERE