The LOST Theatre Company was founded in 1979 at the London Oratory School by Cecil Hayter in response to the enthusiasm of his drama students for the opportunity to perform theatre on a regular basis. Here it produced many successful productions, including Ralph Fiennes’ first appearance with us in Romeo and Juliet. It soon grew in popularity and was forced to find a permanent home in order to accommodate its burgeoning theatrical ambitions. In 1982 it moved into a building in Fulham Road which it converted into a marvellous theatre space with seating for almost 100 people.

During its 17 year tenancy in Fulham LOST grew into a vibrant and prolific Company that saw over 1000 actors pass through its doors. While some groups were content with one play every six months, LOST aimed for at least 12 shows a year!

The Company ran regular classes for its younger members aged between 10 and 16, culminating in a production. It was here that LOST founded its most enduring legacy – the One Act Festival. An event dedicated to showcasing the freshest young writing and directing talent.

In December 1999, the Company was forced to leave the building, due to a large scale redevelopment project. Now “homeless”, LOST survived as a touring company, hiring venues in and around the London fringe. However, that did not stop it from continuing to produce a high standard of work aimed at young people. The One Act Festival grew immeasurably and became ever more important in attracting new talent to the Company and maintaining our profile within the London fringe. We returned annually to the Edinburgh Festival with a diverse choice of classic shows and new writing and toured abroad to Spain and Russia.

Through all these changes, the Company has always remained loyal to the basic premise under which it was founded; namely being a youth theatre company for under 27 year olds, dedicated to the advancement of the individual as a professional, through the cohesion of the group.