Wilton's Music Hall Launches The Chrysalis Club

Today, Wilton's Music Hall announced the launch of The Chrysalis Club, an eclectic interim arts programme of events, gigs, screenings, classes and performances to run from May 2014 to September 2015, as the world's last surviving Grand Music Hall in London's East End enters the second phase of vital building works.

Following the successful fundraising to secure the fabric of the building, completed in June 2013, the builders arrive in May for phase two of the work required which will breathe new life into the building. In order to prevent the risk of destroying the delicate charm of the venue, it will take over a year for the work to be completed. The conservation policy "do no more than is absolutely necessary" remains at the core of the plans.

Managing and Artistic Director of Wilton's Musical Hall, Frances Mayhew said: 'I'm hugely grateful and excited to be undertaking the final phase in securing Wilton's future. During this time The Chrysalis Club's current programme will build the foundation blocks for not only a great organisation but a great cultural programme for the public, which will emerge with full flying colours, late next summer.'

This thriving arts venue will not close at any point; The Chrysalis Club will inhabit the nooks and crannies of Wilton's Music Hall with anything from mortar mixing to binaural sound compositions, dance platforms to opera cabaret. Open to everyone, but with an intimate feel, this will be Wilton's at its warmest. Hatching new relationships, practicing new skills and making magic within the embracing curves of the Grand Hall auditorium, Wilton's Music Hall will offer a limited number of free tickets for specific events to those who would like to be the first to test some of their pilot schemes.

Due to complete in the Autumn of 2015, the project will open up a further 40% of the building, currently derelict, bringing these unseen and unused spaces back to life and making them accessible for the first time, including creating a new learning and participation studio. Beyond that, securing the building also secures the future of Wilton's as an arts and heritage venue, enabling more strategic long-term artistic programming, creating more venue hiring potential and offering the opportunity to plan and incorporate a wide range of community and learning activities, developed so everyone from local school children and community groups, businesses and volunteers can get involved in Wilton's revival.

For further information about Wilton's and its conservation, please see the Notes to Editors section.

On 26 - 27 April from 10 - 6pm each day, Wilton's will open their doors for an open house weekend and furniture sale. Selling off old props, unwanted furniture and odds and ends, this is the perfect chance to have a snoop around, pick up a bargain and take home a piece of Wilton's to keep forever. Admission is free and the bar will be open from 10am on both days.

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