Popular theatre to reopen fully in new year

THE Blakehay Theatre in Westonsuper-Mare is to reopen fully for the first time since March 2020.

The theatre will open its doors in January after refurbishments have kept it closed during long periods in 2021.

Sally Heath, theatre manager, said: “We are so happy to be opening the theatre bringing live performances back. It has been a tough couple of years, not just for us but for the whole industry.”

After undergoing extensive renovation throughout the theatre, including installing a new ventilation system and having the electhe trics rewired, the theatre will open to the public on January 10. It is hoped these changes will help the venue improve its carbon footprint and reach sustainability goals.

Initially, just the studios will open up, followed by a larger opening later in the month.

She added: “We can’t wait to welcome people back into this beautiful building, there really is nothing like sitting in a theatre and watching a live performance.

“2022 will be our busiest year yet. We have an amazing variety of shows and we are confident that there is something for everyone.”

A £325,000 grant handed to the theatre in 2020 allowed the venue to make changes needed to ensure the future of the building and also host a number of events over the summer in 2021.

In July, The Blakehay Theatre collaborated with Culture Weston to host ‘Live at the Quarry’, which featured a number of artists and comedians performing at the Old Town Quarry in a large tepee-style tent.

The theatre will host an open day on January 22 before the initial ‘opening up’ shows take place on the 29 and 30 of the same month.