The Chickenshed Theatre began life in a disused chicken shed in 1974. As the group grew they moved premises to a church hall, and founders Jo Collins and Mary Ward pursued an inclusive policy that meant everyone was welcome to join, regardless of disabilities. Judi Dench and Trevor Nunn became trustees, and the late Princess of Wales became its Royal Patron. Over the years the theatre company has produced large scale adaptations of classics and toured to unlikely locations, but the Southgate 300-seat location remains its home. The theatre prides itself on being accessible to everyone, with captions or sign-language for special access performances, while performance-related workshops are available for people of all ages to take part in. In 2001, co-founder Collins was given an MBE for services to music. Brooklyn’s Grill operates on the premises and opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving everything from light sandwiches to hearty steaks.