WELCOME to the second feature of our history series called, 'Ealing REWIND'.

As part of 'Ealing REWIND', we will look back at famous buildings and locations throughout Ealing, talk about their history and how they've evolved over the years.

Today we will look at the history of Ealing's only theatre, Questors.

Questors Theatre on Mattock Lane, next to Walpole Park, hosted its first production in 1933, a play called Dragon's Teeth.

Four years earlier, in 1929, a new theatre group had formed called the Ealing Junior Arts Club.

Naturally, the Ealing Arts Club objected to the name and the Ealing Junior Arts Club changed their name to Questors.

Their first production was that of The Best People and was performed at the Park Theatre in Hanwell.

Due to economic troubles they moved to a smaller venue in Acton called St Martin's Hall.

During their search for a more permanent base, they were put in touch with a local scout group who were operating out of a small 'tin church' at 12 Mattock Lane and agreed to co-habit at the venue.

The scouts eventually moved out and the Questors continued as sole tenants, until 1952 when they had gathered enough funds in order to purchase the site for £8,500.

The Questors then began their goal of building a new theatre, something that hadn't been done in the UK for over two decades.

After a decade of fundraising and building efforts, the new theatre complex was opened in 1964.

On April 22, 1964, a gala performance was held of Ibsen's play Brand, which was attended by the Queen Mother.

Over the course of their 88-year history since 1933, Questors have produced over 1,300 productions, while staying true to their roots and remaining an amateur and independent theatre.

Questors Theatre also has one of the largest youth theatres nationwide.

Emre Kose who works as an actor, was part of that youth theatre from 2009 until 2012.

He told Nub News: "Questors has always been a welcoming and creative place to nurture one's love of the theatre."

The 25-year-old went on to also be a part of the acting company at the theatre for two years and added: "From my first days participating in the youth theatre to participating in company shows, I am very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community of theatre makers.

"From the moment you enter Questors you are welcomed with a sense of the work and creativity of all its members, be that in the studio or the bar."

Questors' Artistic Director, Alex Marker told Nub News: "Little did I know that attending one of the youth theatre classes at Questors, aged 10, would set me on a path leading to a 20-year (and counting) career in professional theatre.

"It's a local theatre where the huge amount of energy that goes into putting on the productions you see is mainly done by Ealing residents.

"It's an opportunity for people to practice and learn craft skills, such as acting, lighting, construction and wardrobe and see the fruits of their labours 'in action'.

"We are a very diverse bunch from all walks of life, united by the common aim to put on a show; a refreshingly analogue activity in an increasingly digital age."