New theatre plan unveiled
Oscar Wilde is its most famous inmate, but now a bid has been made to convert Reading Gaol into a new theatre. GEMMA DAVIDSON finds out more
A PROJECT which could bring a new theatre to Reading has been granted funding for a feasibility study.
Theatre & Arts Reading (TAR) announced on Friday, November 10 that it had received £20,000 from
Arts Council England (ACE), with matched funding from the Trafalgar Entertainment Group and Festival Republic, to explore the possibility of building a new theatre on the site of Reading Gaol.
Having commissioned architects Foster Wilson to undertake the study, TAR will look into where the theatre could go on the site in Forbury Road, and possible uses for other buildings that are not protected within the gaol walls.
Chairman of TAR, Melvin Benn said: “We are grateful to the Arts Council for the funding and very exciting to be looking at the gaol site.
The gaol would be a wonderful place to have a new theatre and possibly other arts facilities.”
Tim Foster, of Foster Wilson said: “We are very excited to be undertaking this design study to look at the opportunity to develop a large-scale theatre for Reading, which will enhance the town’s cultural offer and create a home for high quality touring theatre.”
Rosemary Squire, from theatre operator Trafalgar Entertainment said: “We’re excited by the possibilities presented by the gaol site.
“Reading has a lively arts scene and a thriving town centre with huge potential for a landmark theatre – we’re very much looking forward to bringing Trafalgar Entertainment Group’s expertise to the study.”