The main function of the Society, apart from giving obvious pleasure and interest to its members, is to provide a varied dramatic output for its patrons.

The Society stages six main productions every year (in January, March, May, July, September and November). The productions vary between classic drama, murder mysteries, comedies, pantomimes and even musicals (although these are rare). In between these productions, the Society hosts occasional guest performers as well as additional performances by our Youth Group. The Society has also participated in community events, such as the Dickens Festival, and several drama festivals.

All members work on a voluntary basis to build sets, make costumes and rehearse productions, as well as providing the front-of-house support, to ensure the ongoing success of the Oasthouse Theatre.

In March 1986, the Society was fortunate to gain the patronage of the late Roy Hudd OBE. Roy, an accomplished writer and a star of radio, television, theatre and music hall, visited and performed at the theatre and members of the Society attended various productions that Roy starred in and took the opportunity to meet him after the show.

In 2022, the Society named three new patrons:

• Nicholas Robinson:
  Starting his career as a 7 year old in a West End production of 'An Inspector Calls', Nicholas went on to play the young boy, William Beech, in 'Goodnight Mr Tom' alongside John Thaw in 1998, as well as many other television roles. He now works mainly as a producer.
• Phil Gallagher (also known as Mister Maker):
  Phil grew up in Rainham and has memories of visiting the Oasthouse Theatre to watch productions when he was a child, including a pantomime. Phil is a BAFTA nominated performer who has worked in Children's TV, behind and in front of the camera, for over 24 years. He is best known for his role as BBC's Mister Maker. Since its first transmission on CBeebies in 2007, the show has become a worldwide hit, transmitting in over 100 countries around the globe. The official Mister Maker YouTube Channel continues to grow its fanbase around the world and has passed 1.6 million subscribers, with over 1 billion views. Phil has also written, directed and co-produced several Mister Maker international live tours, and is a regular performer in pantomime.
• Paul Harris:
  Paul is a local comedian, writer, after‐dinner speaker and former BBC Radio Kent presenter. He has been in the entertainment business for over 50 years and appeared in his first panto back in 1961. He went on to become one of the top pantomime dames in the country appearing alongside Frank Carson, David Jason, and Cannon & Ball. He has topped the bill in summer seasons in most of the resorts in the country, including Blackpool, Great Yarmouth, Newquay, Torquay, Rhyl, Bournemouth and Eastbourne. He was a regular presenter on BBC Radio Kent alongside comedian, Paul James. The pair performed their show at The Oasthouse to a sell-out house. Their Saturday morning show had a great following and their mixture of comedy and nostalgia were a hit with listeners. His writing career started in the 1980s when he was commissioned to write sketches for the 'Two Ronnies' television series. Since then he has written for theatre, radio, television and various magazines. In 1996 his book about Pantomime was published and it has continued to sell to this day, becoming known as 'The Bible' for pantomime producers and actors. Paul has also written a play about the life of comedian Frankie Howerd titled 'Titter Not' which toured the UK and was performed at the Oasthouse theatre on two occasions.