Statement from the Douglas Centre Trust

The unprecedented events following the spread of the virus have left us struggling to keep up with what is possible at the cornerHOUSE. Most of our users have already cancelled activities for the foreseeable future.

As a volunteer-run activity, at the best of times we are dependent on people coming forward to make the place happen. Many of those volunteers fall into the “elderly” classification and some are also scheduled as “vulnerable”. Correctly they are listening to government advice to self-isolate.
Government advice is also for us all to avoid “unnecessary social gatherings”; which may describe just about everything that goes on at the cornerHOUSE ( although we would argue that “art” and “community” are far from being unnecessary.).
So we have taken the difficult decision to close the building for the present. All planned and booked events and activities are cancelled. The Annual General Meeting will still formally take place on April 3rd, although consultations will only be in advance in e-correspondence .

We will keep a shadow diary to preserve timeslots already booked, although this does not mean that those events will necessarily go on when things allow the centre to be re-opened. We are taking no new reservations for the present.
As far as possible we will be keeping alert to changes in the government’s guidance, and also for opportunities identified by existing partners, which may mean that the building can be re-opened for some uses. Currently we have no idea when that might be. We are also looking at ideas which may keep the cornerHOUSE ethos alive on-line
We recognise absolutely the important role that the cornerHOUSE plays in the lives of so many in our community, and the potential that it has to be so in the lives of many more. As soon as we can we aim to get back to offering that role. For now, though, we ask your patience and understanding.

Stay safe

The trustees of the Douglas Centre Trust operating the cornerHOUSE community arts centre
March 2020

Live events at The cornerHOUSE

The cornerHOUSE is back up and running with full programming including:
live music, poetry reading and workshops, exciting drama, writing workshops, comedy galore, film club, talks. All with just a hint of social distancing

cH online

cH online continues to host a  selection of material from across all of the art forms represented at the cornerHOUSE. Go to the cH online pages to find out more.

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cornerHOUSE December 2024

cornerHOUSE December 2024

Enjoy a wonderful build up to Christmas by coming to the cornerHOUSE this December ...
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Auditions - The Mysterious Murder at D’Arcy Grange

Auditions – The Mysterious Murder at D’Arcy Grange

Fancy being in a panto? Auditions for The Mysterious Murder at D’Arcy Grange take place at the cornerHOUSE in Surbiton ...
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cornerHOUSE December 2024

cornerHOUSE December 2024

Enjoy a wonderful build up to Christmas by coming to the cornerHOUSE this December ...
Read More
oneACTS 2024 - Line-up revealed

oneACTS 2024 – Line-up revealed

We are pleased to announce the line-up for the 2024 oneACTS festival at the cornerHOUSE from May 20th to 25th this year. The plays will be presented over six evenings, with three plays on 20th, 22nd and 24th, and four more on 21st, 23rd and 25th. Plays lined up for 20th, 22nd and 24th are: Preconception by Jean Trew directed by David Gray Lucy and Martin decide it’s their duty to start a family, so their attractive and intelligent children can balance out all the ugly and ...
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cornerHOUSE April 2024

cornerHOUSE April 2024

Here's an update on what's to come in April at the cornerHOUSE ...
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The 2024 oneACTS are coming!

The 2024 oneACTS are coming!

Expect drama, comedy, mystery and mayhem as local actors, directors, and playwrights bring eight one act plays to the cornerHOUSE in Douglas Road, Surbiton. The oneACTS 2024 festival, a showcase of original playwriting which is now in its 15th year, runs from Monday, May 20 to Saturday, May 25 at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £12 (£10 concessions) and are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thecornerhouseevents ...
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The Mysterious Murder at D’Arcy Grange - Tickets

The Mysterious Murder at D’Arcy Grange – Tickets

Following 2023’s D’Arcytagnan and the Three Musketeers we will be serving up The Mysterious Murder at D’Arcy Grange which will get those little grey cells working. The comedy mystery-murder comes to the cornerHOUSE from Tuesday, January 30 to Saturday, February 3. Evening shows start at 7.30pm. There is also a Saturday matinee at 3pm. Expect cringing puns, irreverence, dubious morality and straightforward family fun as this mash-up between Cluedo and Clouseau – which is rumoured features a foreign detective with an impressive moustache (!) – takes to the stage ...
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oneACTS 2024 – Be a part of it!

oneACTS 2024 – Be a part of it!

(PERFORMANCE DATES: May 20 to May 25 2024 at 7.45pm. Shows on alternate days. Mon/Wed/Fri or Tues/Thurs/Sat.  The cornerHOUSE oneACTS play festival is now in its 15th year. The oneACTS is not just about great, original playwriting; it is about encouraging everyone to get involved in all aspects of theatre. Anyone can enter a play, volunteer to direct or produce, audition to act or become part of the backstage or front of house crew. The festival celebrates new playwriting and takes a script from page to ...
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