The award-winning Gatepost Theatre Company was formed in 2004 by Kate and Jim Baker following their retirement from long-serving teaching positions at Heanor Gate School. Kate, who taught music and had also been Head of Performing Arts, was awarded an MBE in November 2004 for her services to musical  education. Jim had been Deputy Headmaster at the school, where he also organised and played in school concerts and productions.

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​In 2015, Kate and Jim took the decision to move on to other projects, therefore ushering in a new era for Gatepost. A new production team was formed, including many original members of the group, and they rose to the challenge of continuing to create top quality musical theatre.

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With Chris Collington at the helm as Artistic Director, the first show under the new regime was Jonathan Larson’s hard-hitting and thought-provoking RENT. Running from September 16-19 in 2015, the show proved a huge success, earning rave reviews and a standing ovation for each performance.