Following a £2.8m makeover, Ellesmere Port’s Theatre Porto — formerly Action Transport Theatre — reopens its doors on Wed 10 Aug, providing a creative space for artists and educators as well as children, young people and families.
The Whitby Hall transformation project, funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Arts Council England, has created the new venue — the first of its type for children and young people in Cheshire and on Merseyside.
The new space has been designed by the award-winning architects, Bennetts Associates, and includes a state-of-the-art 150-seat flexible auditorium for performances and film screenings including NT Live; rehearsal spaces; workshop rooms and a new café and outdoor terrace.
The reopening programme kicks off with Once Upon a Time — a magical arts trail and series of surprising installations created especially for Whitby Park. Running from 10-20 Aug, entry is free and visitors can expect special performances and a huge weekend party in the park.
From Thu 20 Oct, The Chronicles of Atom & Luna arrives, a performance following heroes Atom and Luna as they attempt to save their childminder Iffly Sney by seeking out the mysterious old Mother Redbeard.
Then, December brings the Star of Wonder — a delightful new show based on the idea of three wise figures following a star, falling out and overcoming obstacles along the way. Find out more about the full reopening programme here.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Tue 9 Aug 2022
