A KEW amateur theatre group is looking forward to a bright future after being helped out by The National Archives.

Q2 Player originally known as the Nondescripts, have been performing in the area for nearly fifty years. 

During this time they have staged a wide variety of plays, ranging from Dickens to Tolstoy to Terry Pratchett, bringing affordable and accessible theatre to the residents of Kew. 

The players are delighted they have now found a new home after hire fees increased at Alexandra Hall, St Luke's Church prompting the move.

The hall is managed by the Kew Community Trust.

Harriet Muir, chair of Q2 Players said: "The National Archives has stepped in with enthusiastic support to provide us not only with a new venue for our shows, but also the potential for exciting collaborative events."

The team at the National Archives devised an arrangement which will enable Q2 Players to not only perform in the Events Space twice a year, but also to support The National Archives in their regular exhibitions and events.

A Kew Community Trust spokeswoman said: “Kew Community Trust runs the Kew Community Centre in The Avenue, Kew for the benefit of the local community. 

"Our Centre is home to 25 local community groups and is a thriving community hub. We have been very proud to support the Q2 Players over the past 30 years. 

"Our Centre Director, Nicola Patel, promoted their latest performance and attended the matinee performance in our Alexandra Hall. 

"Despite admirable efforts by the Q2 Players, less than half the seats were occupied. 

"Given the impact on the Q2 Player’s financial position, we fully understand the need for Q2 to find an alternative venue. 

"We wish them well with their future productions and hope that more members of the community come out to support them."

Lee Oliver, Head of Venue Management and Services at The National Archives said: "We are very pleased to be able to offer this venue to the Q2 Players for their upcoming shows. 

"We look forward to working with them in the future and inviting their audiences into The National Archives."

The community-spirited collaboration will begin on May 18, when Q2 Players will be involved in the Archives At Night event “Law Breakers and Law Makers”, charting the course of the suffrage movement. 

Q2 Players’ next full production, Three Bags Full by Jerome Chodorov, will also be staged in the Events Space at The National Archives, from November 22 to 24 .

Harriet added: "We are extremely grateful to Lee and the team, and we look forward to a happy and inspiring future with them."