This small theatre is the home of many of Plymouth's major amateur operatic and dramatic companies, including the Western College Players, the Tamaritans and the local music festival. Other companies, including the Carmenians and the Plymouth Operatic Society use it for their smaller productions. Despite their amateur status, the quality of performance is superb and not to be missed. The main purpose for the theatre is to provide a base for members of the Athenaeum Society, who frequently host fine lectures and some films. The Athenaeum is many years old, but is now housed in a modern building designed by local architects.