We came to the theatre to see Steel Magnolias. The staff was friendly and the performance was great. What a great price for a great night ! read more

See all

Always a pleasure visiting this awesome theater. The staff is always fantastic and the seating is wonderful. The shows are all so good and the prices are great. Love this theater. read more

See all

The professionalism and talent on display well exceeded my expectations. We saw a little shop of horrors and it was outstanding start to finish. You would've thought you were at a Broadway show except seated right by the stage -color me a fan. read more

Peoples Light - Little shop of horrors - Performing Arts Near Me - Malvern, Pennsylvania

I've been to two shows here and they have both been fantastic. The theater has tons of free parking and is very clean and easy to navigate. The actors are amazing and have great singing voices. Will definitely be back! read more

Peoples Light - They have an area where you can get snacks and drinks upstairs! - Performing Arts Near Me - Malvern, Pennsylvania

We hadn't been here in years but after the performance we just attended, we are going to make a point of checking out future shows. We attended Monsieur Chopin - a one man show featuring the story and music of pianist-composer Fryderk Chopin. The premise was you were a student attending a music lesson given by the composer. The interactive 2 hour play was amazing with it being written and performed by Hershey Felder. As far as we could tell, the show was sold out on the night we attended. With numerous restaurants in the area as well as easy on-site free parking, it was a very enjoyable night. read more

We have been going to People's Light every year for decades. We started taking our (now 18-year-old) grandchild when she was around one. Our family is very performative oriented (all of us sing and do community theater). The yearly Panto really works to bring the audience into the magic of the plays. We'll be back next year! read more

We've been going to People's Light Theater for several years now and continue to be amazed by the exceptional performances. Each production is thoughtful, engaging, and beautifully executed--from the acting to the staging, everything is top-notch. On Thursday nights after the show the actors come out for an informal Q&A which is absolutely fantastic. We feel so blessed to have this gem right in our own backyard. It's more than just a theater--it's an experience we look forward to time and time again. read more

People's Light theater is located in Malvern Pa. It's right in the heart of Chester County. They have plenty of free parking for your convenience. Even though I registered on line, I still had to stop at the desk to get my tickets. I wanted to take my 2 girls to see Alice in Wonderland. From the advertisements it appeared to be a upbeat play that they would enjoy, and that they did! This was a new modern musical version of Alice in Wonderland. My favorite character was Cheshire cat! Just bigger than life and so cool and calm as she explained how the audience should participate. One of my daughter's loved that she had permission to holler and shout and boo at the characters. They even came out into the audience and passed out candy! This show is running until Jan. 1, 2023. If you get a chance go and see it. It's a show for all ages. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I would love to go back and see another live play! read more

[541] Visit this theater to see the showing of Aladdin with my son. I'm so happy I did. Easy to find theater with tons of off street FREE parking. Restrooms were easy to find. You can purchase snacks and refreshments and bring them into the theater. Will call window was quick. Staff was really friendly. The theater itself was a nice size so EVERY seat was a good seat. Sound system was great as well as the lighting. They are also having toned down performances for people with special needs such as autism and sensitive to sounds and lights. It's a NO SHHHH show. I'll definitely be back! read more

See all

I heard all sorts of great things about the new Diary of Anne Frank play at the Peoples Light and Theatre, so I decided to stop off and see it today. I had never been to the theatre until today and I saw pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. First, they have a nice, big parking lot that has plenty of spots so it is really easy to get a spot! Once you are inside, you are greeted by the sight of a nice gift shop and a little food stand. You also can bring the food back into the theatre, which is nice. Also, I like how this theatre lets you sit down in the actual theatre nice and early compared to most other theaters. The actual theatre is very nice with comfortable seats, a little monitor with the words and great lighting and audio. The actual play is based on a newer adaptation and while it was pretty good it ft somewhat PG. I feel like something like the Holocaust should not be simplified. I really didn't like how they made Anne Frank so warm and happy even though she was hiding out in the annex. Also, some areas were factually incorrect. They made the annex a little nicer than it really was and made her relation with Fritz Pfeffer much friendlier than it really was. However, I really enjoyed many aspects of the play including the diversity of cast and great acting. Altogether, this is a nice theatre that puts together a great show. read more

Interesting mask policy. Recent field trip proves their insane logic. A staff member boards the bus and hands out masks for all the children to wear, then proceeds to tell the adults they don't need them? All this to protect the actors who are fully vaxxed and boosted per the theater requirements. Won't be going here. Ever. read more

A lovely thriving community theatre that has seen unprecedented success in the past couple of years. I used to see shows here back in the day when they were still in the one stage arena to the right, it was terrific then and has only gotten better. The People's Light is known for their progressive twist on traditional narrative. The performances are topnotch and each cast member a virtuoso in their performance. I would love the opportunity to work on the costume crew or set of any of their shows, each always being perfect for the part. The last show we saw here was Legacy of Light and it did not disappoint. Their shows are not always suitable for children; be sure to check the storyline before you go, if you're taking the little ones. Lastly, they have a nice coffee station in the vestibule and if you check their website, sometimes you can find a coupon for free or discounted beverages. read more

Just saw Ibsen's The Master Builder. http://peopleslight.org/production/master-builder Strong cast. Fatal Attraction, The Prequel. Better than Perry Mason--No One Confesses. read more

Peoples Light - Peoples Light and Theatre Computer: entrance to Main Stage. - Performing Arts Near Me - Malvern, Pennsylvania

See all

An amazing community theater that takes the arts seriously and delivers with excellence. Shows are carefully, thoughtfully selected, cast, directed, produced and performed - all with a superbly talented staff! read more

I had the chance to see 2 shows at this theatre, most recent being Anne Frank. This show was ok, as someone else mentioned newer adapation of original..... My problem with this play and the theatre in general is the sound is VERY poor, air quality is bad and the seating is awful. You feel so crunched and confined within your seat, as if you are on top of the person next to you. I should also add that you are so close to your neighbor you can easily smell there last meal. Dont get me started with the coughing! Germophobes should def steer clear of this place! As far as the sound I missed alot of what was being said because the mics were not placed strategically throughout the stage. They really should consider getting a new sound person. And/or invest in state of the art sound equipment to match there ticket prices. Again, this is the 2nd show I have been to where there were issues with sound. A few scenes literally looked like the actors were just moving there mouth. Very, very hard to hear! With that being said, if you do decide to venture to a show anyway you may want to wear a light jacket vs a heavy coat. And get a front row aisle seat. I could probably get past the seating and just get front row seats for shows going forward but I honestly dont think this theatre is worth the price they charge for tickets. I paid $50 bucks for my seat, which I think is way out of line for this venue. They really have alot of nerve on the price they charge, venue is truly not worth it. I will never go back and DO NOT recommend. read more

Visited Peoples Light to see "Romeo & Juliet: A Requiem" with my mother and it was absolutely fantastic. From the time we stepped in the building and were greeted to when we left, everyone was extremely kind and accommodating. As far as the actual performance goes, the play was great and the acting was superb. The theatre is relatively small which gives it a very intimate feel and means that pretty much every seat in the house is a good one! This is my first visit to this theatre but definitely not the last. I'm excited to see other shows here and will be recommending this theatre to my friends who live both in the suburbs and the city! read more

I just saw Aladdin at the People's Light and it was fantastic! The show is great for both kids and adults and is nothing like you'd expect. Such a fun performance combining both original music with hundreds of pop culture references and recognizable music. The actors were wonderful and really engaged the audience directly as I haven't seen before. I'd highly recommend seeing Aladdin no matter your age! The theater itself is great. A beautiful building with a nice lobby and area up the stairs where you can buy refreshments during intermission. The auditorium is fairly small, so it doesn't matter where you sit, you can see everything. Very comfortable seats with plenty of room. read more

As far as those I know from the plays I attend, local theater-enthusiasts feel naked without their weekly email from Funsavers (aka phillyfunguide). Every Thursday I peruse my Funsavers email for all the 1/2 price theater tickets that week, and check the website for what's going on around town. While I have heard People's Light advertised on WRTI (which targets a limited local audience, pretty much identical to those who already attend), I have NEVER seen People's Light on Funsavers' weekly list, which tells me they aren't interested in arriving on the greater theater scene, and prefer the bubble in which they currently exist. I guess this is because they are fat and lazy with their local patrons, and can't be bothered to draw from the same crowd that every other theater in the greater Philly/Wilmington/S-NJ area does. Maybe if diverse people from all over came to see what People's Light is like, they might give smarter reviews, based on comparisons to better experiences, and word would get out that People's Light is not so great after all. What I am trying to say is, I find it really lame that this theater is like FUBU (for us by us) for Malvern and nearby Mainline, and nothing else. The plays are all about stuffy bourgeois white people, and the playgoers are all stuffy bourgeois white people. Any treatment of non-whites is performed in the uber-PC patronizing fashion, which equates more to masked racism, rather than to any actual empathy and genuine equality/respect. Sometimes locals get hung up on a place and think it's better than it is because it's their own home-grown venue. In consideration of all the Greater Philadelphia Area has to offer in terms of theater, and after years of research (i.e. theater experiences all over) I have come to the conclusion that Malvern and its local ilk, is full of itself to give this place a 4+ star rating. My mother was one of the first to subscribe to People's Light, and through her, I've seen more than my fair share of performances there. Having experienced a lot of theater throughout my life, and with the analytic background of English degrees, I really want to get to the grit/meat/heart of a play, and to hear and see the playwrites' words explored within an inch of their meaning. I am not impressed by how chic the building is, or if they have a trendy adjacent cafe, nor do I care to mingle and people-watch during intermission. If that is all theater is to you (like my mother), then People's Light is the place for you. Theater is a lot more than that for me, and People's Light is NOT the place for me. I was lucky enough to attend U-Penn's summer-in-London course, filled with 15+ outings to theater throughout London and its environs. That fabulous experience inspired me. Since then I've sought theater relentlessly locally, as well as experiences everywhere I go. Costumed dramas on stage in Viet Nam, theater in New Zealand, D.C., Boston, NYC, and Blackfriars in Staunton, VA (the equivalent of a World Heritage Site for Bard fans). Of all the theater I've seen, I am offended by the soap operatic acting and distractingly opulent sets at People's Light. It seems that if this place has the kind of endowment to fund sets with more decorating and detail than most people's actual homes, they might want to allocate some of that toward better direction or actors. The predominately Baby-Boomer crowd of patrons didn't seem to notice that the acting and play selection was lame compared to less-endowed playhouses. If they are anything like my mother's friends, they are too doped on Paxil and wine to notice. And THAT is the kind of crowd this place seems to cater to. Dunno, good theater is just my taste, maybe it's not for everyone. ---------------------------------------------------------- If you too have been disappointed by People's Light, or would like to branch out and compare, here are some suburban venues where you will find better theater than People's Light: Players Club of Swarthmore (2nd stage productions), Swarthmore, PA Old Academy Players, Mannayunk, PA Hedgerow Theater, Media, PA Footlighter's Theater, Berwyn Spotlight Theater, Swarthmore, PA read more

Fantastic theatre in Chester County - with a lovely cafe and gift shop areas. there really isn't a "bad seat" in the (medium sized) house. Certain productions are geared toward families with kids. They also have a "Teen" theatre camp. You can even hold events in the Bistro/Barn area they own. Wonderful staff and volunteers. We support you! read more

First time to Peoples Light Theatre last week, saw Cinderella Panto. The play was excellent. The box office, cast, script, music, lighting and stage were spot on. There was lots of audience interaction and participation. The audience ranged from 5yrs old up to senior citizens and it looked like almost everyone was enjoying it. There was plenty of humor and improv mixed in. I really liked how they included the names of local cities, towns, businesses and establishments. They really tailored the play using the local Malvern/Philly flavor. During intermission you can purchase, coffee, ice cream and other snacks from the cafe. The seats were relatively comfortable even for bigger frames, I'm 6' 2" 200lbs. Tips: Parking is tight and you might end up parking on the pebbles where it's muddy so be careful getting out of the vehicle if dressed up and have nice shoes on, I'd recommend dropping off the ladies in the front. Try not to sit on the very ends of the first few rows as you have to have your head turned the entire time to get a full view of the stage. Careful if you're wearing a garment with delicate fabric on the elbows, some of the seats have mini metal plaques screwed into the armrests and some of the screws seemed to have sharp edges which could potentially tear your shirt/dress sleeves. This would easily have been a 5 star review except for an issue with the ushers. We bought our tickets and ushers showed us to seats that were already taken in the second row, so I asked to be seated in behind in the third row where there were at least 10 open seats. Usher stated, "no, those seats were purchased". I'm scratching my head and said, "well I purchased the seats in the second row but someone else is sitting in those seats". Instead of making a fuss over it, we ended up sitting in the first row on the far corner which had a poor view and were NOT the seats we paid for. read more

Ok, first some disclaimers. I do not know much about the theater and prior to my first show at the Peoples light several years ago, I had not been to a play since college. So I had really, really low expectations. After seeing Twelfth Night in 2007, the first thing that I wanted to do was go back and see it again! Hey, I just understood Shakespeare! And now understand why they say the Bard is meant to be heard and not read. I wish they would teach this to small town high school english teachers. Since this first play I have been back for five other productions. While the material may not have been to my taste on all occasions, I thought the acting wonderful and really what keeps bringing me back. Several members of the company have instilled in me this desire to see all of their work (as I tend to answer the "Do you want to see this play" question with a "Hey! That actress I like is in it, I'm in. Now, what's the play about?). I find that there is not a bad seat in the house; neither in main nor side stages. My only complaint is that you will be solicted (by phone) for donations and/or ticket purchases. But I have come to realize that this is a standard practice in the theater world and has come to bother me less and less. Probably because I enjoy the shows more and more. read more

I love the Peoples Light. We saw the latest production, Shakespeare's Winter's Tale, and it did not disappoint. This is REAL theater about a mile away from home. You can't beat it. read more

What a beautiful theatre. They put on amazing shows and pull in very talented actors. Just recently saw Pride & Prejudice and I loved everything about it. They moved the stage to the middle of the theater so the audience was on either side - this was a really cool set up that I hadn't seen them do before. The cast, stage direction and choreography was awesome. YEARS ago I saw plays here as a middle school and high school student and now, as an adult I still get to attend class trips! The talk that they do afterwards with the kids is just fantastic for the school visit productions they give during the weekday. Worth the drive for sure of any theater lover. Also, while the parking lot is on the smaller side - the building is beautiful! I bet there have been some lovely weddings here. read more

Peoples Light - With the staged moved to the center for the Pride & Prejudice production - Performing Arts Near Me - Malvern, Pennsylvania

See all

Cinderella: a musical Panto was outstanding. The performers are talented, professional and skilled in their craft. The audience participation is humorous and engaging for young and older alike. The meal prior to the show was overseen by Steven and he was attentive and gracious. The food served was delicious and the atmosphere warm and charming. It was a fabulous night! Thank you People's Light Theatre!! read more

Peoples Light is such a wonderful theater. They always have a modern take on their productions, with smaller seating that gives an intimate feel. Their staging is playful as well -- we saw Richard III and they used the entrances to the seating for character entrances/exits. read more

We just recently saw shipwrecked in this theater about two weeks ago. I don't know where they pull these actors from, but they are extraordinarily talented. I had also saw Macbeth at this same theater house years ago and I remember being very impressed by the acting. As has been suggested in other posts, the seating is a real delight as well. Both theaters on the property only seat around 100 people, if that, so every seat is close enough to give it an intimate ambience. read more

This would have been a 5 star review except for deceptive advertising of the subscription for the 2014-15 season. We had a good experience at two plays in 2014 and so decided to sign up for the full upcoming season and decided to buy the full subscription. Sent in a check and received my rockets today. One of the most important shows, Jason and the Argonauts, was not in the packet. Called the office and was told it was not part of the subscription and that i had to pay more for that one. This is deceptive, bait and switch. Very disappointed in this area theater. Will not subscribe again! read more

Recently visited People's Light for the first time back in a few years - saw "Woody Sez" a musical documentary on the life of radical musician, Woodie Guthrie. The show was fantastic and the theater as charming as I remember it! Tea, coffee, baked goods, and candy is available at the cafe and there is an attached restaurant for dinner before the show, although I've never been! Honestly for what it costs to take a date to the movies you could spend less or the same to see a live show - worth considering! read more

For the first twenty minutes or so, I enjoyed the production as a slapstick/vaudeville show--then I realized what good actors they were and how much energy and acting skills were needed to be so thoroughly engaging. Show Cinderella Panto. Verrry clever! If you like the Mask & Wig you will love this! Warning: Audience participation read more

Very nice, small, local theater with just the right amount of charm! Came to see the 3 Musketeers show here just this past weekend and really enjoyed the phenomenal acting and charming personalities of those up on stage. Although I personally wasn't a huge fan of the actual production, I thought it was very entertaining (especially to the young kids). I think the $50 price of tickets far exceeded the show, but I also understand the importance of keeping theater and the arts in the lives of not only young children but elderly adults as well. Our 96 year old grandfather really enjoyed spending his day at the theater! read more

Great theater-- it's smaller so there's no such thing as a bad seat. They do some community stuff there for the fam as well and you can also hold your events there. Productions are definitely worth your buck. The last show I saw there was Pride and Prejudice and it was done beautifully. Can't wait to go again soon! read more

I found the play to be somewhat interesting, but noticed a ton of foul language in the show. At first it would be a comedy, but as it turns out, it was a play. Which means I am not a fan of drama and possibly shows that had not too good acting. In my opinion as a yelper I had every right to voice my opinion for a lot of people to hear. In other words, I wasn't happy with the duration of the play at all, there was a lot of drinking involved and I definitely don't want to attend another play for as long as I live. And for that reason, I give two stars because every play I have seen turns into an instant snooze fest. read more

We were on the back patio for a small wedding this past weekend. It was really great. But for the road noise on the other side of the fence, it would have been nearly perfect. The service and food were very good. read more

My wife and I love coming to see plays here. The actors are fantastic and stages are set up perfectly so there is truest not a bad seat in the theater. I would recommend to anyone looking to see a great show. read more

Just saw Cinderella: a Musical Panto and i was so impressed by this performance! I cannot say enough about how wonderful the cast was. It was funny, engaging, interactive, and overall very enjoyable. I loved the personality that shone through the cast members. You can tell a lot of heart was put into this performance! The venue itself was very clean and spacious. This was my first time at the theater but I will certainly be back! read more

Just saw Fallow. A must-see. PL&TC is consistently challenging and wonderful. Subscribe... You won't be disappointed.

Such a local GEM! We just saw Ring of Fire. All I can say is, "just go!" It was truly outstanding. The entire cast was extraordinarily talented and completely engaging. As an avid Broadway fan, this was simply superb....and right in our own neighborhood! How fortunate are we?! Highly recommend. In fact, may try to see one more time before it's gone. It's that outstanding! read more

This theater has an extensive almost year-round schedule of dramas, musicals and children's productions, one of the highlights each year being the Christmas-time panto, a British-style farcical retelling of a traditional story with wide latitude for audience participation. See this page for the upcoming shows: http://peopleslight.org/ read more

Saw Richard III - extremely disappointing set (looked like a basement from an abandoned factory in Philly - there was even an old water heater and a plastic milk crate). Very minimal costuming, which was OK except that the motorcycle jackets and watches were a bit jarring. No attempt was made to place the story in a different age - set and costumes could have been left over from something else. Used some sort of projector that was less that successful - camera was attached to Richard's crutch - two projection screens were full of static and hard to make out. Acting was fine. Would have preferred a blank set to this. I have seen some very good productions here over the years - this was not one of them. read more

We love this theater but I want to write specifically about their youth classes. My son is having a very positive experience here and the level of instruction is higher than all of the other suburban offerings we have tried. They have a wonderful program! read more