A £17 million theatre in Hampshire is ready to open after delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fareham Live, featuring an 800-seat auditorium, opens this weekend with a star-studded show.
Grand Opening and Star-Studded Performance
Fareham Live, operated by Trafalgar Theatres, will be officially unveiled this Saturday. The opening night will showcase ‘The Prat Pack’, featuring renowned personalities including Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Shane Richie, and Joe Pasquale. The event marks a significant milestone for the community, bringing high-profile entertainment to the region.
Conservative councillor for Titchfield, Connie Hockley, expressed her excitement, describing the theatre as a ‘dream come true’. ‘I never thought this day would come. We got through Covid and it’s here. It’s perfect and my colleagues and Trafalgar are over the moon with it,’ she said.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Equipped with the latest stage and backstage technologies, Fareham Live is set to provide an exceptional experience for both performers and audiences. The venue includes a main 800-seat auditorium, a 120-seat studio, and an additional studio space. The presence of two cafe bars, one with a terrace, further enhances the appeal of the theatre.
More than 30,000 tickets have already been sold for upcoming shows, indicating strong community interest and support. The theatre’s initial lineup includes ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘Legends of Dance’ starring Brennan Cole, and this year’s pantomime ‘Cinderella’ featuring brothers AJ and Curtis Pritchard.
Sustainable Features
Fareham Live is not just about entertainment; it also stands out for its sustainable design. The theatre is equipped with 18 solar panels and four air source heat pumps, making it one of the greenest theatres in England.
Sir Howard Panter, joint chief executive of Trafalgar Theatres, emphasized the building’s unique qualities. ‘It is a very rare world-class building and it is now the greenest theatre in England,’ he stated.
Community Impact and Regeneration
Fareham Borough Council envisions the new theatre as a key component of its broader regeneration strategy. The replacement of the outdated Ferneham Hall, which was too small to attract significant shows and was financially unsustainable, marks a new chapter for the town.
The council highlighted that Ferneham Hall was losing up to £400,000 a year. The new venue aims to revitalize the local cultural scene and serve as a ‘jewel in the crown’ for the community.
Upcoming Highlights
In addition to the headline acts for the opening weekend, Fareham Live has a diverse lineup scheduled. A week-long run of the musical ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, starring Jason Donovan as Dr Frank n Furter, starts on Monday. The variety of shows and events planned aims to attract a wide audience, from theatre enthusiasts to families.
The anticipation for these performances is palpable. Ticket sales for these shows reflect a strong demand, confirming the theatre’s potential as a major cultural hub.
Leadership and Vision
Chris McGuigan, group commercial director, expressed his hopes for the community to embrace the new theatre. ‘We hope people will come and experience everything on offer and embrace it,’ he said.
The leadership team at Trafalgar Theatres is committed to ensuring that Fareham Live becomes a beloved community asset, providing a space for various generations to enjoy together.
Fareham Live in Numbers
The theatre features an 800-seat main auditorium and an additional 120-seat studio space.
It is equipped with 18 solar panels and four air source heat pumps, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
The opening of Fareham Live marks a significant milestone for the Hampshire community, promising a blend of high-quality entertainment and sustainable design.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse lineup of shows, the new theatre is set to become a central cultural hub in Fareham.
