The Albany Theatre has new studios, improved toilet facilities and new community spaces
The Albany Theatre in Earlsdon is set to host a launch event to showcase its £3 million redevelopment. The theatre has recently been refurbished with new facilities from three new studios, and improved audience and community spaces.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Mal Mullton, will open the new spaces to the public this Friday (October 4) at the ‘Generate Launch’ event featuring performances from local community groups to celebrate the city’s diverse cultural talent.
Visitors will have a chance to see the new studio spaces in action through various workshops and a video presentation before the live performances start. The redevelopment took two years to complete, with grants from the City of Culture Capital Fund and Coventry City Council’s Cultural Capital Investment Fund.
Albany Theatre’s CEO and artistic director, Kevin Shaw, said: “We’re delighted to be launching our fantastic new spaces which will provide a whole new range of arts experiences for our communities. These new facilities will enable us to host a wider variety of events, workshops, and performances, ensuring there is something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning patrons to explore and enjoy all that the Albany Theatre has to offer.”
The workshops will run from 6pm to 7:15pm, with Coventry Music Service to lead pre-show music in the Albany Foyer and Ascension Dance will present a video showcase of their work in the Spotlight Studio. There will also be performances from Sing for Change, Highlife Project, Impact Steel Band, now based at The Albany, Godiva Academy of Performing Arts, Moving Space Theatre, Ankura School of Dance, and Elite Dance.
The Clive Benfield Studio will stage a demonstration from the CVFolk Guitar Workshop with Kevin Dempsey, the Inspire Studio will have Albany Sings, led by Katherine Fear, delivering a singing session focused on wellbeing, and the Courtyard Studio will host DeleataZ Entertainment and their Aerial Hoop workshop.
The redevelopment marks a bright new chapter for the venue, which started as part of Coventry Technical College in 1935 and survived Hitler’s bombs in the Coventry Blitz. The theatre’s future looked in doubt in 2008 when changes to the college forced the venue to close. In 2013, The Butts Theatre Trust brought the venue back to life at a grand reopening.
Managing director of Interclass, Des O’Neill, said: “We are proud to have played a part in maintaining this historic building and securing the future of the Albany Theatre. We’re incredibly pleased with the finished article and can’t wait to see it used by local artists and community groups for many years to come.”
