An "exciting" new theatre will open its doors in Ellesmere Port next week following a £2.8M development.
Theatre Porto, formerly Action Transport Theatre, is a theatre company that has garnered a reputation for producing original theatre and undertaking wide-ranging community work in Cheshire for more than 35 years. Their new venue, funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Arts Council England, will be the only specialist, purpose-built theatre and cultural centre for children and young people in the county.
This contemporary performance space, in Whitby Park, now houses a state-of-the-art 150-seat flexible auditorium for performances and film screenings. The building will also play host to rehearsal rooms, a temporary gallery and new café with an outdoor terrace.
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It has the highest quality technical facilities in sound, lighting and includes specialist equipment to broadcast National Theatre Live screenings. There is also a 300-seat amphitheatre in Whitby Park open all year round, which is where Theatre Porto will host its Summer Programme of free outdoor events between August 10 and August 20.
Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “I am so excited that the wait is over, and the transformed Whitby Hall is ready to welcome audiences and performers again. I’ve been following the work and I know how important this will be for the young people of Ellesmere Port and across the borough.
"This is far more than an investment in a building, it’s an investment in our young people, the arts and culture. This new cultural building will make its mark on young lives for many years to come. It is also the start of many more plans for Ellesmere Port over the next few years”.
A special extravaganza weekend on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August, will include outdoor shows, walk-about performances, and special events alongside the ‘Once Upon a Time...’ art installation and adventure trail.
The first of the public openings this August marks a new era for the company under its new name. Theatre Porto, which was decided on following consultation with local young people, is based on the ideas of child-centredness, place and playfulness.
Stacey, who grew up in Ellesmere Port, and who worked with the theatre as a young person said the theatre is about "being local".
She added: "It's about community. It's so nice for the people of Ellesmere Port to be able to own something and say, ‘this is really good and it's ours."
The new build transformation was designed by the Manchester studio of London-based award-winning architects Bennetts Associates who designed Storyhouse, a flagship venue for arts and culture in Chester.
Adrian Lonsdale, Associate Director, Bennetts Associates said: “We have been delighted to be involved with transforming Whitby Hall into a new and exciting cultural hub in the heart of Whitby Park.
"The historic house has been restored with contemporary theatre facilities added. This will secure the use of the building for generations to come and provide amenities for the whole community.’”
Nina Hajiyianni, Artistic Director of Theatre Porto said: “Theatre Porto co-create and present the highest quality theatre experiences for families, young audiences, and participants. We provide a welcoming and accessible space for all children and young people, to tap into their creativity and potential.
"Our mission is to champion their ideas and creativity and at the same time, create opportunities for adultsto rediscover their sense of curiosity and playfulness”.
Founded in 1986 as Action Transport Theatre, the company has a strong track-record, transforming the lives of local children, young people, and wider communities.
The focus on making imaginative, and authentic professional theatre has established the company as one of the leading performing arts companies in England, reaching thousands of participants and audience members each year.
You can find out more about Theatre Porto here.
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