Baron Bolligrew performed in January 2004DEVIZES has a long theatrical tradition with many productions being staged in the town throughout the year.

There was a theatre in the town in the 18th century on what is now the site of Sainsbury's supermarket and The New Theatre was built on The Green, where Kwik Fit is now, in 1822.

During the Second World War the Devizes Players were formed, and performed at the Palace and at the Garrison Theatre at the barracks on the outskirts of town.

This led to the formation of Devizes Amateur Dramatic Society, who played at a host of different venues until, in 1972, they took over the lease of a building in Couch Lane and the first Wharf Theatre was founded. In 1980, they took over and refurbished a former county council warehouse on the bank of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The auditorium holds 96 people. The Wharf company stages about 60 performances a year.

Operatic productions are staged each year by the White Horse Opera company at the Corn Exchange, and the Devizes Light Operatic Society mounts its annual production in the Memorial Hall of Dauntsey's School at West Lavington at Easter.