The OFFSTAGE Theatre Group are an award-winning travelling theatre company run by Barnaby Eaton-Jones and Kim Jones, which evolved from an after-school club that began in 1991. Barnaby took over the after-school club in 1993 after being involved from the start, changed its name to The OFFSTAGE Theatre Group, and turned it from a small amateur group into a semi-professional unit. Theatre groups grow and evolve and, although sad to leave the roots behind, Barnaby took OFFSTAGE away from it’s origins and ever onwards. When Kim Jones joined in 1997, she oversaw much of the running of the group and continues to do the majority of the work today. The remit is simple: To Educate And Entertain. The theatre group now write and perform on request for Corporate Entertainment and Conventions, as well as Schools, Colleges, and Universities.

OFFSTAGE have travelled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom with original and classic full-length and one-act plays, as well as sci-fi comedies, musical theatre, and sketch shows. Under the direction of Barnaby and Kim, the theatre group has expanded beyond the shores of England and continues to grow in stature and professionalism.

OFFSTAGE, in a blissfully sunny location, for the filming of an ‘Alexander The Great’ documentary (left) and filming ‘The Christmas Nativity’ in a barn - surprise, surprise! – in a much colder climate (right)

The original after-school club was set up by Mr Stephen Rix (see ‘Backstagers’), in Gloucestershire, and produced a few small productions under the directorship of Paul Birch. When Paul left the troupe, Barnaby stepped up, changed the name, and the rest – as they say – is history. So, officially, the birth of The OFFSTAGE Theatre Group was in the year 1993, when it was re-founded and re-branded by Barnaby. It has now encompassed filming and writing for independent television companies, as well as BBC Radio productions.

OFFSTAGE in London, performing at the BBC’s 40th Anniversary of ‘Doctor Who’ (left) and with Nickolas Grace (Sheriff Of Nottingham), in Nottingham, performing at the 20th Anniversary of ITV’s ‘Robin Of Sherwood’ (right)

OFFSTAGE, and its many members, have successfully written and performed for Theatre, Television, Radio, Corporate Events, Conventions, Festivals, and Educational Conferences. They pride themselves on being a happy and supportive group to be involved with, as all members have become firm friends. Occasionally, small-minded jealousy seems to rear its ugly head with a few of the ex-members who have left of their own accord, and we are sorry that these tiny handful seem to have misunderstood what teamwork, encouragement and integrity mean. OFFSTAGE always has, and always will have, an ‘open-door’ policy as regards to its members and we see no reason why this needs to be changed – we will continue to believe in the basic inner-goodness of human beings.

OFFSTAGE, filming a Charles Dickens adaptation (left) and posing for publicity shots for the Association of Youth with M.E. (right)

Many of the OFFSTAGE alumni have gone on to appear in West End productions (‘Chicago’ and ‘Les Miserables’ to name but two), in notable acting companies (such as ‘Riding Lights’), on famous Hollywood films and UK television serials and situation comedies, as well as appearing at the Edinburgh Festival. But, the heart-warming thing is that each and every one of them has returned, whenever the need has arisen, to perform once again with OFFSTAGE.

OFFSTAGE in Stockton-On-Tees, performing a show that inspired our webmaster to offer his services for this website. Splendid chap!

OFFSTAGE have worked and performed with some notable celebrities, including Esther Rantzen, Colin Baker, and Paul McGann (to name but three).

Esther Rantzen, President of the Association of Youth with M.E. (AYME), meets OFFSTAGE (AYME Conference '99).

If you would like to get in touch with us, maybe to send us a review of one of our shows, or even some photos, or - more importantly - to offer us some work!), then you can by using the contact button to the left of the screen.

Please feel free to use the links on the left of the screen to go to a complete history of OFFSTAGE. The following pages contain Performance Reports, Photos, Illustrations and Publicity Posters. You can see all the different entertainment we create, provide, and perform. ENJOY!!

Best wishes & rainbow fishes,
THE OFFSTAGER