THE new Barn Theatre is on track to fully open in Cirencester at the end of this year, and promises to be an exciting addition to the arts in Cirencester and the region as a whole.

Refurbishment is gathering pace, and this state-of-the-art 200-seat theatre, brainchild of chairman and founder, Ian Carling, artistic director Iwan Lewis, and commercial director Rachel Wright, The Barn Theatre represents a collective vision to put Cirencester on the cultural map and create a lasting legacy for theatre in the area.

The unsubsidised not-for-profit venue will pursue a reputation as a major producing house, aiming to attract the best of UK theatre talent to the area.

The aim is to create a destination theatre that appeals both to its local community and to the thousands of visitors the town receives.

Trained actor Iwan, who has starred in numerous lead roles in theatre, told the Standard: “We are punching above our weight here and want to be the best regional theatre. I want this to feel like a small West End theatre. The standard of shows put on here will have to be of high quality.”

The refurbishments have equipped the venue with a new stage and orchestra pit beneath, a 200 seat air conditioned auditorium space and the latest in lighting, sound and projection technology.

The back stage spaces are generous for a theatre of its size and are designed to accommodate casts in comfort.

A large rehearsal room, together with a green room and dressing rooms will complete the facilities.

A newly built atrium space now joins the theatre to the adjacent Ingleside House, providing a contemporary theatre bar and foyer space, and through access for audiences and visitors to the beautiful Ingleside House and gardens

It is obvious, from a look around at the progress made so far, that the Barn Theatre has lofty ambitions.

But with the infectious enthusiasm of Iwan, and his undoubted networking ability, it is easy to believe that something very special is heading for Cirencester and the Cotswolds.

  • barntheatre.org.uk