ARTS chiefs have revealed the curtain will soon go up on their plans to re-open a popular Evesham theatre under a new name.
Evesham Arts Centre had to close last March because of the pandemic and Government restrictions.
While the venue has been closed a new trust has refurbished the venue to prepare it for reopening later this year to serve the local community in and around the town as ‘The Henrician’.
One of the major improvements is the new LED lighting installed throughout the theatre to make it much brighter and safer to find seats in the auditorium to cater for audiences of all ages.
The toilets have been refurbished and repainted and when complemented with the new LED lighting, these rooms are now bright, fresh and welcoming.
Front of house furniture has been revamped while a new handcrafted oak bar, custom-made by Evesham resident Andy Dingley has been installed. The bar has been upgraded with new equipment and till systems that will take both card and contactless payments.
The theatre is under new management by the Prince Henry’s Evesham Arts Theatre Trust who are an independent organisation which will operate the theatre owned by Prince Henry’s High School.
The trust’s mission is to create and develop a diverse arts programme for the local community and the surrounding areas, and to develop and improve the theatre over time to meet the needs of tomorrow’s audiences.
As part of the refurbishment, the theatre will be reopening this year with its new name ‘The Henrician’ as just like the school itself the theatre has long been proud to serve the town of Evesham.
Sue Sollis, trustee for Prince Henry’s Evesham Arts Theatre Trust said: “There’s so much local talent situated here in the heart of Evesham and how lucky we are to have an arts theatre with such outstanding facilities which have been refurbished to the highest standard.
“Having been involved with stage events over many years, I know how much this venue is appreciated by artists. It has a marvellous sound system, excellent lighting facilities and for audiences the tiered seating and free car parking is of tremendous advantage. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all attending the arts theatre both past and present under its new title ‘The Henrician’”
The Henrician will continue to operate as a voluntary organisation for the community.
Visit www.henrician.org or follow TheHenrician on Facebook and Twitter for more.
