Salisbury Playhouse has today unveiled plans for a major multi-million pound redevelopment of its historic venue. The Playhouse, one of only three full professional producing theatres in the South West, is launching its £22 million plan as part of its 50th anniversary.
The Stage the Future project sets out an ambitious vision for the future, with a venue fit for the 21st century - Net Zero and fully accessible, with upgraded technical facilities, wardrobe and workshop spaces - and a renewed commitment to developing the next generation of theatre-makers.
The venue, which welcomes over 200,000 visitors from around the region and across the UK, delivers 350 performances every year. Through its community and education programme, Take Part, the Playhouse reaches over 15,000 young people, under-represented communities, people with special educational needs or disabilities, older people and those experiencing loneliness - helping to break down barriers which stand in the way of cultural experiences.
Investment in world-class production facilities will deepen the Playhouse's role as a centre for craft and skills, creating pathways for emerging artists and technicians to learn their trade at one of the country's leading regional theatres.
Over the past three years the Playhouse has contributed an estimated £40 million to the local economy, and the Playhouse has welcomed a wealth of talent to its stage including Ewan McGregor, Ruby Wax, Rupert Everett, Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Claire Sweeney, Hermione Norris and Pete Postlethwaite. As one of Salisbury's largest employers, it supports around 350 jobs and sustains a wider ecosystem of local creative talent, suppliers and businesses.
Rosa Corbishley, Co-CEO and Executive Director, said: “This is a pivotal moment for the Playhouse – it’s a chance to honour five decades of world-class theatre and ensure the next fifty years are even greater. Our community wants the Playhouse to thrive, and as one of the South West’s only full professional producing theatres, we are a core backbone of British theatrical talent.”
Gareth Machin, Co-Ceo and Artistic Director, said: “Investment in this redevelopment is vital in unlocking our full producing potential – enabling bolder, more ambitious work, and securing the Playhouse as a cultural cornerstone of the South West - for artists, for audiences, for generations.”
The Right Honourable John Glen, MP for Salisbury, said: “Local theatres have the power to galvanise communities, but they also drive economic growth and nurture the grassroots talent that feeds British theatre. The transformation of Salisbury Playhouse will secure that mission for generations, developing the talent of today, inspiring the artists of tomorrow, and bringing communities together. Supporting this campaign means ensuring the Playhouse remains open and accessible to all - for the next fifty years and beyond.”
The ambition is to complete the works over the next three years, and Salisbury Playhouse will be sharing further updates about the redevelopment over the coming months.
