Stage is set for theatre’s relaunch
MANCHESTER’S Contact Theatre is preparing to reopen, following a £6.75m transformation.
The Oxford Road landmark has been closed since 2018 for major refurbishment work on the distinctive castle-shaped building.
Now the team have formally regained possession of the building and are preparing to welcome people back in September.
Initially, the venue will be used for socially-distanced activities, with live theatre performances due to restart in 2021.
The venue will have a purpose-built recording studio for young people’s music and media projects, as well as a dedicated rehearsal studio for young performers, refurbished performance spaces and offices for artists and cultural organisations to hire.
The venue will have a dedicated arts and health space, which Contact says will be the first of its kind in any UK theatre.
During construction, Contact’s staff and participants have been based in Moss Side, at the Powerhouse.
Performances have taken place right across the region, in venues ranging from a Grade I-listed warehouse at the Science and Industry Museum and the huge Upper Campfield Market, to a sari shop on Wilmslow Road and the Palace Theatre.
Contact was first established in 1972, with the physical building undergoing major redevelopment in 1999 to take on a environmentally sustainable design.
The new work will futureproof the theatre for the growing demand from young participants and audiences.
Matt Fenton, chief executive and artistic director at Contact said: “It’s more important than ever that young people from all backgrounds and cultures can come together to create, express themselves, and access free training and skills.
“We can’t wait to start to welcome back our young participants from across Greater Manchester, and in due course to host audiences of all ages to experience shows in our unique, sustainably-designed building.”