Lightnin’ Drama Group was founded in 1980, the idea was to raise money for a close friend that was suffering from the tragic incurable disease of cancer.
In a small school hall in the village of Rainham is where it all began. The group’s founder, Sue Ospreay, decided to "do a show"; why not "have fun" whilst raising money for a friend. The shows started out as variety performances, and have since turned into full-scale musicals. The group did two shows a year at a local school, which had a small stage, no lighting or sound provisions, and was minimal comfort for the audience.
With the support of the community we progressed from the school hall to the Queens Theatre in Hornchurch, which is an achievement in it’s own right. Our Annual productions are now viewed and enjoyed by over 1500 people, from not only the local community, the ex-mayor and current mayor but also from people further a field.