Thursday 26 June marked a special milestone — the 10th birthday of The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, our dedicated school theatre. A decade ago to the day, the doors of this extraordinary space opened for the very first time, transforming a former place of worship into a vibrant centre for creativity, education and performance. And what better way to celebrate than with the launch of our Creative Arts Festival and the opening performance of A Servant to Two Masters?
The story of The Quarry is one of transformation and community. In 2015, Bedford School reimagined the 19th-century Moravian church and its adjoining 18th-century Minister’s House into a theatre unlike any other — one that would serve both the school and the wider Bedford community. What emerged was not just a building, but a living, breathing hub of artistic energy.
From the beginning, education was at the heart of the project. Every inch of the theatre was designed to be a learning space — not just for aspiring actors, but for directors, designers, technicians and stage managers. The overhead lighting grid, the fully accessible backstage areas and the professional-grade facilities all reflect a commitment to hands-on, real-world learning for boys.
However, The Quarry is more than a classroom. It is a place where confidence is built, creativity is nurtured and lifelong passions are sparked. Whether performing under the lights or working behind the scenes, Bedford School pupils are immersed in an environment that encourages exploration and self-expression.
The theatre’s name honours the Quarry family — proud Old Bedfordians and long-time members of the St Luke’s congregation. Their deep personal connection to the building, and their generous support, helped bring this vision to life. Gareth Quarry’s father once played the organ here; his parents were married within these walls and Gareth himself was christened here. That same organ still stands at the back of the stage — a quiet reminder of the building’s sacred past and its vibrant present.
Equally vital was the contribution of Brian Saville, another Old Bedfordian, whose generous bequest helped fund the theatre’s development. Thanks to their combined generosity, The Quarry has also become a cornerstone of Bedford’s cultural life — a place where history, education and the arts converge.
Over the past ten years, The Quarry has welcomed thousands of audience members, hosted hundreds of performances and inspired countless young people. It has become a space where personal history meets public purpose — and where the legacy of the past continues to shape the future.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead. Our Creative Arts Festival begins today, and with it, a new chapter in The Quarry’s story. Tonight’s performance of A Servant to Two Masters is more than just a show — it is a tribute to everything this space has become and everything it will continue to be.
For many Old Bedfordians, the theatre remains a deeply formative space:
“If it wasn’t for Bedford School, I don’t think I would’ve become an actor.”
