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As the news of Nelson’s great victory at Trafalgar reached England, the citizens of Henley-on-Thames were also celebrating another event: the opening of their ‘New Theatre’ close by the town’s own ‘haunted stream’. This modest Georgian building, now known and loved as ‘The Kenton Theatre’ has gallantly served the people of Henley ever since. Flamboyant Victorian actor-managers, the great Beerbohm Tree, hard-pressed pre-war repertory companies and glittering celebrities of the present day have all stepped out on the Kenton’s well-trod boards. But most important of all have been the generations of local unpaid actors, singers, box-office and bar staff, ‘techies’, ‘sparks’, scene-painters and countless enthusiasts who have kept The Kenton Theatre an essential living and breathing part of its community. No-one with a love of theatre, and especially amateur theatre, can fail to be intrigued and fascinated by the Kenton’s long and enthralling story. A dedicated amateur thespian himself, Bill Port has a long association with the Kenton and is part of that army of unsung heroes which helps to run and manage it. He has generously donated part of the royalties from sales of The Well-Trod Stage to support the Theatre. The book also lists every known presentation – from major professional companies to local societies' productions – for the last 200 years. “What fun we had!” reminisces Oscar-nominated Kate Winslet – who played Pandora in Adrian Mole at The Kenton Theatre. 
“(The Kenton) … is the fourth-oldest theatre in the country. It is a wonderful institution, and I hope you will enjoy this excellent history.’ from the foreword by Boris Johnson MP And pomp, and feast, and revelry, With mask and antique pageantry, Such sites as youthful poets dream On summer eves by haunted stream. Then to the well-trod stage anon... from L'allegro by John Milton "... a fascinating history of the theatre ... well-produced and illustrated..." from Reading Evening Post November 2005 "... a most interesting and enjoyable read." from Henley Standard November 2005
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shaping the flame
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