Consequently, Margaret and Alan Williams, who had been members of the congregation for many years, approached the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance who gave their authority to convert the building into a centre for performing arts, to be run by local volunteers.

The first significant performance was  “Sam, Peg and Davy” in July 1984, which was presented to an invited audience. In November of that year the existing platform stage was constructed, but the original pews continued to be the only available seating.. The first public performance was by Ex Cathedra on July 10th, 1985.

The first major improvement to the theatre came in October 1988, when a group of volunteers from the audience constructed a raked auditorium with tip-up seats. Carpeting came from a Marks and Spencer store that was being refurbished and the seats came from a Rank Leisure cinema in Hull that was about to be demolished. In the same year Ridware Theatre became a registered charity.

In October 1994, flushing lavatories were installed and a second dressing room was added. (We started out with chemical loos located in tents, eventually graduating to a two-seater shed!) This was made possible by the generosity of Lichfield District Council and funds raised by our very supportive audience members.

Ridware Theatre is regarded with great affection by the many actors and musicians who have performed in its unique setting. It is described by most of them as 'lovely space'. We are told that our auditorium is 'acoustically perfect', but the general consensus of audiences and performers alike is that it has a rare and intimate ambience that affords a friendly and informal environment fit for receptive and intelligent audiences.

In 1983 the church was declared redundant by the Church of England, as part of a larger countrywide rationalisation. The very last Evensong was held on February 20th of that year.