The countdown is on for Fareham Live, as the eagerly anticipated new multi-million pound arts venue gears up for its grand opening later this month.
The 800-seat theatre will open its doors on September 28 with its premiere show The Prat Pack.
Direct from the London Palladium, stage and screen star and national treasure, Bradley Walsh will host an extravaganza of live entertainment and music with some celebrity friends.
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Joined by Brian Conley, Shane Richie and Joe Pasquale, this is a celebration of their decades long friendship with an evening of spectacular musical performances backed by a 15 piece orchestra.
As Fareham Live prepares for its glittering debut, preparations behind the scenes are picking up pace. The theatre has officially been handed over to Trafalgar Theatres - the theatre division of global live entertainment company Trafalgar Entertainment - from Fareham Borough Council.
With the finishing touches being applied, theatre lovers will discover a state-of-the-art venue equipped with the latest cutting-edge stage and backstage areas.
Boasting a stunning main auditorium and two versatile studio spaces, Fareham Live will also have a new café and bar area.
“Everything is in and ready for opening; it’s all the triple checks taking place now,” said Emily O’Dell, Group Head of Projects for Trafalgar Theatres. “It’s a really modern open space that we think Fareham will be really proud of for many years to come. I encourage you all to come and have a look when we open.”
Gavin Shuman, Venue Director at Fareham Live, added: “Accessibility has been a key priority in the design of the venue. It was ensured that all areas are fully accessible so that everyone can enjoy our performances and facilities. This project has also provided a significant boost to the local economy by employing a fully local workforce throughout the construction and final preparations. We’re incredibly excited to showcase this new venue—it truly is beautiful.”
Following The Prat Pack, Fareham Live will host The Rocky Horror Show, starring Jason Donovan. The season also includes The Merchant of Venice 1936 with Tracy-Ann Oberman, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and comedy from Jimmy Carr and Adam Kay. Panto Cinderella stars AJ & Curtis Pritchard.
In 2022, Fareham Borough Council set a budget for the project at £16.69m.
For tickets, visit farehamlive.co.uk
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