We are pleased to announce that our plan to build a new rehearsal studio at Mayflower Theatre has been approved.

The project will deliver a double-height rehearsal studio, two fully accessible dressing rooms and a combined reception and stage door. In addition, the project will deliver a high-performing building as part of a drive towards achieving Net Zero and will provide a suitable space for our Participation and Education programmes to thrive.

Mayflower is celebrating its eleventh year of its highly successful youth theatre projects welcoming over 210,000 young people from across the region to experience creative arts performance, making friends and growing in confidence as they take to the main stage.

?Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive and Creative Director said,

?“I am thrilled at the positive outcome of our planning application, Mayflower’s ambition is to attract the best shows and performances to our venues which is matched by our drive towards delivering inspiring experiences for all. We recognise that our on-site provision for youth theatre falls short of our vision for creative spaces to develop and inspire young people. In addition, touring companies require dedicated rehearsal space as Southampton remains the first stop for West End touring productions.

?This development is not only a fantastic new space but it will improve our facilities and further strengthen Mayflower’s reputation as a leading theatre.

There are many benefits from this project. The rehearsal studio will deliver improvements and support our continued growth in participation.?We will be able to improve access for all, ensuring disabled performers have equality of backstage provision with stage accessible dressing rooms.?

The building will also see energy improvements from a 95% reduction in heating demands associated with ballet rehearsals and a provision for solar and air source heat pumps to enable the future removal of gas combustion from the theatre. I was overwhelmed by the support we received from the arts community in the preparation for this project”

We reached out to the arts community for support, two of the many respondents were Birmingham Royal Ballet and Blue Apple Theatre Company.

?Caroline Miller OBE, CEO of Birmingham Royal Ballet, said:

?“With Mayflower Theatre now established as our anchor staging and premier venue for our annual Spring Tour, the ability to take class and rehearse in a new double-height studio space would significantly improve the experience of our dancers and reduce the time and cost associated with travelling to and from an off-site venue.”

Richard Conlon, Artistic Director of Blue Apple Theatre Company for people with learning disabilities, is equally positive:

?“Any and every step towards making the cultural life of the city more diverse and some of the communities within it more visible is supported by Blue Apple. Real access is so much more than just ‘ramps’ and we will be happy to share whatever learning we have with Mayflower Theatre as they continue their journey towards a more accessible venue and programme.”

Matthew Goode, Mayflower Operations Director said,

?“The multi-million-pound development will be across three floors and creates sensitive connections between the administration building, added in 2010 and Grade II listed theatre, creating a dedicated studio to enhance Mayflower Theatre’s reputation.

?The development will also provide two-fully accessible dressing rooms on stage level responding to our inclusivity agenda making Mayflower accessible to performers and participants.

Mayflower Theatre is approaching its 100th anniversary and is set to not only reach this milestone but continue to stage the best in touring shows, dance, drama and opera. Our inclusive Youth Theatre productions continue to expand with more than 150 young people performing in our 2024 summer youth production this month: Bugsy Malone.

?Our commitment to decarbonising the theatre will take a significant step forward with the addition of solar array, air source heat pumps, green roof and a building designed to high-performing standards.”