[1] The theatre was opened in 1983 by the Welsh comedian Sir Harry Secombe, who lived in Sutton for over 30 years, and was named after him.

[4][5] A large glass extension to the east side of the original building provided a bar and refreshment area, which was also open to the general public.

[7] It produced two to three in-house productions a year, include a pantomime, and co-produced with theatres nationally and internationally.

[1] Past productions have included Steel Magnolias, The Tempest, Journey's End, and Accidental Death of an Anarchist.

[12] In a 2009 review of Souwest 09, the Croydon Advertiser awarded the performance four stars, and described it as "visually vibrant".

[14][15][16][17] Bond is said to have an "uneasy relationship with the theatre establishment", feeling that engaging people's intellect is no longer a priority for it.

Financial difficulties in 2002 had put the theatre in jeopardy, but its future was believed secure the following year when it was taken over by the London Borough of Sutton and run directly by the council.

[22] The risk of closure spurred celebrity intervention in favour of the two theatres: writer, actor, comedian and BBC presenter Tim Vine, called on Sutton Council to reconsider its proposals.

The council worked with the Theatres Trust and Sutton Centre for Voluntary Services to help bidders through the bidding process.