The Esso Music and Drama Group was founded in 1950 and in 2000 celebrated 50 years of service to music and drama in the Waterside (an area loosely defined by the eastern boundary of the New Forest and the western shore of Southampton Water).

It started as a sub-section of the Esso (Fawley) Recreation Club. But times moved on. From 1st June 2003 the name was changed to Waterside Theatre Company consequent on the reconstitution of the Recreation Club into the Waterside Sports and Social Club Ltd which is now operated independently from the Esso Companies.

The Club is open to applications for membership from anyone wishing to enjoy the use of its extensive facilities.

The theatre was built in 1950 as part of the Esso RecreationClub buildings. It enjoys the facility of a fly tower with 20 fly lines. From 1950 to 1996 the building was in regular use for showing films operating firstly under the name of Esso Cinema and latterly as the Waterside Theate. The film equipment and fixed seating was removed in 1996 and the original sprung dance floor refurbished so the building is now suitable for many functions in different formats. Seating is available for up to 300 and adjacent bar facilities can be arranged.

For further details and hire rates contact the Waterside Sports and Social Club at enquiries@watersideclub.co.uk
or telephone 023 8089 3750