In 1952 Alan Kitching and his wife were walking through the ruins of the Abingdon Abbey Buildings. It occured to him that the space in what is called 'The Checker Hall' would make a brilliant little theatre. For more information about the creation of the theatre - read about it in Alan's own words. 'The Pleasant Historie of The Unicorn Theatre by its Onlie Begetter'. Alan proposed the idea of an Elizabethan-style theatre in July of 1952 and the following November construction work began to a stage design by Mr Christopher Ellis of Radley College, with boys from the College providing some of the labour. The first production in the newly renamed Unicorn Theatre was The Two Angry Women of Abingdon (performed by Abingdon Drama Club) in Coronation Week, June 1953. The summer season that year also included plays by Congreve and Priestley, three musical concerts, talks on the Elizabethan and Restoration theatre, and poetry readings. Alan Kitching was also the producer, between 1959 and 1974, of Unicorn stagings of twelve of Handel's Italian operas, unseen in England since the composer's lifetime. The buildings also host a large Craft Fair in October of each year. The Unicorn Theatre, as part of the Abingdon Abbey Buildings, is owned and run by The Friends of Abingdon. The Unicorn Theatre is a wonderfully atmospheric and intimate space, which is used for drama and music performances, lectures and other events. For information about hiring the theatre phone the curator on 01235 525339 or Email - The Friends of Abingdon. If you require technical information about the theatre: Email. The Unicorn Theatre can be hired for drama, music and other events. The theatre is perfect for small scale drama productions, small touring shows, performance events and conference events. The theatre has a very good acoustic for both amplified and non-amplified music. It is wonderful for string quartets, small chamber orchestras, opera, folk performances and even full rock bands. The Unicorn is a small space with an Elizabethan style thrust stage, with stage balcony, innerstage, arched entrances and, if required, pillars and stage front balustrade. The Elizabethan façade can be hidden by blacks and box sets built in front of it. There are no tabs and there is very limited backstage space. Three dressing room spaces are provided and other spaces can be made available if required. Audience areas include two large 'checkers' and a beautiful long gallery. Refreshments can be served in any of these spaces. The long gallery has a sink, storage and a fridge, if required. If you are not part of UTUG (Unicorn Theatre Users Group) you must arrange to either hire the technician to help you set up and operate lights and sound for your event, or organize a meeting with the technician, who can talk you through how to operate the technical equipment and explain the rules and regulations you must follow when using the venue. The theatre has a full set of blacks which can hide the decorated façade and box sets can be built in front of it. The theatre has a good selection of lighting and sound equipment. For more information about the technical specification - Email. The theatre seats 89 people. Every seat has a very good view of the stage and the relationship between performer and audience is what makes this theatre special.