Brighton Gains New Theatre and Creative Hub with Emporium

Emporium, a new sensational and professional theatre and creative hub comes to the heart of Brighton, making its grand entrance at the beginning of the culture and festival season on 3rd May.

The venue inhabits the old Methodist church along London road near Preston Circus, Brighton - an art deco fronted building with heaps of history. Emporium will add to Brighton's already-thriving theatre and arts scene by providing professional theatre, film and workshop facilities all under one roof and all within 10 minutes walk of the central train station. A place for audiences to indulge in the best theatre experiences that Brighton and the rest of the country have to offer.

Emporium will open in time for the 2013 Brighton Festival and Fringe, initially offering a 100-150 seat 'pop up' theatre space, along with an all day café and bar. Once the May events have finished the building undergoes some major changes with a 250 seat Main House auditorium theatre and smaller 100 seat warehouse theatre and rehearsal space, being installed over the summer period, only to re-emerge in September with a full programme of thrilling mid-scale touring shows and in-house professional productions from Emporium's own repertory company, culminating in the return of Pantomime to Brighton.

James Weisz, Artistic Director says, "There is a very visible gap in Brighton of 200-300 seat receiving houses, so I fear we lose out on a considerable amount of outstanding touring work and London transfers. I am looking to address the balance."

Emporium will also offer a comprehensive programme of in-house classes, courses and workshops for professionals and students of the theatre and movie industries.

"What we lack in Brighton is a central hub, there are so many actors, directors, writers living in and around Brighton, who commute to London and beyond for work or even a workshop."

One of Emporium's major aims is to revive the tradition of regional repertory theatre in Brighton, establishing a resident professional company producing full seasons in-house, interspersed throughout the year.

Venue Manager Gary Blair trained at Salisbury Rep said, "It's thrilling to have the opportunity to create something as large scale and diverse as Emporium, and have the opportunity to provide actors with the chance of Rep seasons; a wonderful experience for audiences too."

During the May Launch, you can expect critically acclaimed shows such as Qua Qua Qua... the art of the clown in an interactive theatrical experience, Stand-Up The Musical, a lyrical comedy show featuring local and national comedians making a hilarious song and dance. And the ever so talented Fake Bush, the award winning Kate Bush impressionist, with her pitch perfect falsetto and trademark outfits and dance moves. Plus not to mention a whole host of extravagant and sensational cabaret shows to excite the senses.

Emporium will also provide an extensive array of workshops and children's activities during the day time, along with some family welcome productions such as Woodland, a story about a place which has strict daily routines and frequent lessons in safe creature care. Find out what happens when a new excitable arrival doesn't adhere to these rules. Suitable for 3-5 year olds and fun for adults too.

Gary Blair and James Weisz were recent guest speakers at Equity's branch meeting. New Chair Mjka Scott announced: "I'm over the moon! It is a shot in the arm for the Arts in Brighton and I can't wait for it to open. Hip, hip hooray, say I."

If you wish to know more about the theatre's technical capabilities or you have a production for consideration, email James Weisz on: james@emporiumbrighton.com.

For more information, visit www.emporiumbrighton.com.

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