The Albany Theatre Opens a New Studio Space

The Albany Theatre is expanding with the opening of their brand-new studio space. This has been part of The Albany's long-term commitment to Coventry communities and their Arts for Life initiative and aims to host accessible and diverse work for both local groups and professional companies.

The studio is the first phase of The Albany's development of the iconic building's East Wing, with a flexible "pop-up" studio space, bar, box office and working environment, whilst further developments and expansion are undertaken. It will also serve as the new entrance for the theatre as a whole.

The new space opened on Thursday 1 March with a launch event supported by local performers and attended by Coventry music legends Neville and Christine Staple as patrons.

"I am so glad to hear that The Albany Studio is now ready for action, to become a beautiful place for art and music in our great City. Having places like this are so important and help stop areas becoming a 'ghost town!'" jokes the former Specials frontman, Neville Staple.

The opening event was also attended by Coventry Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Skipper who introduced local performers from across the city including the Firebirds Singers choir, the Turley Duggan Academy of Irish Dance and Streetmix. There was also a performance from Jodie Dickson. Jodie studied dance before joining The Albany as the theatre's very first apprentice and has now worked with the Marketing and Communications team for over two years.

The new studio space is part of The Albany's redevelopment and has the support of many Coventry performers including Inbetweeners and The Musketeers star, Tamla Kari, "I first performed on The Albany theatre stage, back then known as the Butts Theatre, at the age of four dressed as Mickey Mouse! I often visit to see friends still performing there and I'm filled with such nostalgia. I'm so proud to be a Coventry kid and I'm excited to see what this new space brings..."

The Studio is hosting its first season of shows including acclaimed Ceridwen Theatre's interpretation of Macbeth and Coventry actor, director and writer Paul Nolan's The Window; a poignant and personal story based on the life and times of his Spon End relatives' involvement at Passchendaele.

Supported through many lease and legal negotiations by Coventry solicitors Band Hatton Button, this marks the first of many phases of development for the theatre with the addition of new spaces, backstage remodelling and auditorium renovation expected to go ahead as funding is secured.

There's plenty going on at The Albany, both in the theatre and the studio, for audiences and communities throughout Coventry - discover more from the website www.albanytheatre.co.uk including details of all forthcoming shows.

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