Plans to build a new rehearsal studio at Mayflower Theatre have been approved as part of their mission to create inspiring experiences.
The project will deliver a double-height rehearsal studio, two fully accessible dressing rooms and a combined reception and stage door. In addition, the project will deliver a high-performing building as part of a drive towards achieving Net Zero and will provide a suitable space for their Participation and Education programmes to thrive.
Mayflower is celebrating its eleventh year of its highly successful youth theatre projects welcoming over 210,000 young people from across the region to experience creative arts performance, making friends and growing in confidence as they take to the main stage.
“I am thrilled at the positive outcome of our planning application,” says Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive and Creative Director. “Mayflower’s ambition is to attract the best shows and performances to our venues which is matched by our drive towards delivering inspiring experiences for all.
“We recognise that our on-site provision for youth theatre falls short of our vision for creative spaces to develop and inspire young people. In addition, touring companies require dedicated rehearsal space as Southampton remains the first stop for West End touring productions.
This development is not only a fantastic new space but it will improve our facilities and further strengthen Mayflower’s reputation as a leading theatre.
“There are many benefits from this project. The rehearsal studio will deliver improvements and support our continued growth in participation. We will be able to improve access for all, ensuring disabled performers have equality of backstage provision with stage accessible dressing rooms.
“The building will also see energy improvements from a 95% reduction in heating demands associated with ballet rehearsals and a provision for solar and air source heat pumps to enable the future removal of gas combustion from the theatre. I was overwhelmed by the support we received from the arts community in the preparation for this project.”
The theatre reached out to the arts community for support, two of the many respondents were Birmingham Royal Ballet and Blue Apple Theatre Company.
Caroline Miller OBE, CEO of Birmingham Royal Ballet, adds: “With Mayflower Theatre now established as our anchor staging and premier venue for our annual Spring Tour, the ability to take class and rehearse in a new double-height studio space would significantly improve the experience of our dancers and reduce the time and cost associated with travelling to and from an off-site venue.”
Richard Conlon, Artistic Director of Blue Apple Theatre Company for people with learning disabilities, continues:
“Any and every step towards making the cultural life of the city more diverse and some of the communities within it more visible is supported by Blue Apple.
“Real access is so much more than just ‘ramps’ and we will be happy to share whatever learning we have with Mayflower Theatre as they continue their journey towards a more accessible venue and programme.”
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