The Stage Door Canteen is the place to be for a fabulous authentic 1940s night of music, dance & entertainment at the original 1930s village hall of Pratts Bottom, Kent.

The next Stage Door Canteen will be on Saturday 24th March,

29 September 2012 and 5 January 2013 – click here to book your tickets now!

In 1942 the first Stage Door Canteen opened its doors in New York and in 1944 a Stage Door Canteen was opened on Piccadilly in London by the famous Bing Crosby. It was host to all Allied troops and supplied entertainment, food and drink for free. Hostesses (nicknamed Doughnut Dollies) not only served refreshments, they were also popular dance partners for the men in uniform.

 

In 2012 our Stage Door Canteen dance is back to recreate an authentic 1940s night out, just like it was intended when Mrs. D organised it for the first time in 1998.

The ethos of the Stage Door Canteen dance

We at the Stage Door Canteen Dance pride ourselves on re-enacting the same theme with its authenticity to host and serve our guests, from the decoration of the 1930s village hall with bunting and flags to the staff wearing 1940s clothing and hostesses wearing accurate copies of wartime aprons, serving coffee, tea and doughnuts. Our re-enactment of the Stage Door Canteen can be enjoyed and appreciated by those who want to wear their 1940s uniform and civilian clothing in an authentic atmosphere.

 

Resident DJ ‘Swing Shift’ Chris Reynolds has been spinning the wax for over a decade and dedicates himself to playing the very best of late 30s and 40s tunes. His passion for selecting these tracks demonstrate what the Stage Door Canteen dance is all about: recreating that fantastic atmosphere of a wartime night out for all our dancing guests to enjoy!

The Stage Door Canteen dress code

Dress code is strictly 1940s Allied military uniform or authentic 1940s fashion, with matching hairstyle of course.

 

We do not allow:

• Skirts / dresses worn above the knee

• German / Axis uniforms

• Fancy dress / post-war uniforms

• Trainers, plimsoles, t-shirts, jeans, hawaii shirts, clip-on braces

 

Stage Door Canteen staff reserves the right to refuse entry on the night.

Pratts Bottom village hall

The hall caters for 200 guests but we limit ticket sales to 120 to avoid overcrowding which would spoil the fun and could be dangerous in the event of an emergency. Not only Health and Safety, but of all enjoyment, is paramount for our Stage Door Canteen guests.