Theatre Porto (formerly Action Transport Theatre) is opening its new state of the art theatre and cultural centre in Whitby Park, Ellesmere Port on the 10th August. The £2.8 million development has been funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Arts Council England.
The new venue will be the only specialist, purpose-built theatre and cultural centre for children and young people in Cheshire and one of a small number across England. The first of the public openings this August marks a new era for the company under its new name Theatre Porto, which was decided on following consultation with local young people, based on the ideas of child-centredness, place and playfulness.
Stacey, who grew up in Ellesmere Port, and who worked with the theatre as a young person,
sums up what this new theatre means: “It’s about it being local, It’s about community. It’s so nice for
the people of Ellesmere port to be able to own something and say, ‘this is really good and its ours.”
The contemporary performance space and cultural centre now houses: a state-of-the-art 150-
seat flexible auditorium for performances and film screenings; rehearsal rooms; workshop rooms; a
temporary gallery, spaces for artists and a new café with an outdoor terrace. It has the highest
quality technical facilities in sound, lighting and includes specialist equipment to broadcast National
Theatre Live screenings. There is also a 300-seat amphitheatre in Whitby Park open all year round,
and where Theatre Porto will host its’ Summer Programme of outdoor events, FREE for everyone to
enjoy.
FREE opening events are running from 10th to 20th August. A special extravaganza weekend on
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August, will include outdoor shows, walk-about performances, and
special events alongside the ‘Once Upon a Time…’ art installation and adventure trail, all FREE. For tickets see : https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/theatre-porto/once-upon-a-time-2022-arts-adventure-trail/e-rxyyoa
Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “I am so excited that the
wait is over, and the transformed Whitby Hall is ready to welcome audiences and performers again. I’ve
been following the work and I know how important this will be for the young people of Ellesmere Port and across the borough. This is far more than an investment in a building, it’s an investment in our young people, the arts and culture. This new cultural building will make its mark on young lives for many years to come. It is also the start of many more plans for Ellesmere Port over the next few years”.
The new build transformation was designed by the Manchester studio of London-based award winning architects Bennetts Associates who designed Storyhouse, a flagship venue for arts and
culture in Chester. Adrian Lonsdale, Associate Director, Bennetts Associates says: “We have been delighted to be involved with transforming Whitby Hall into a new and exciting cultural hub in the heart of Whitby Park. The historic house has been restored with contemporary theatre facilities added. This will secure the use of the building for generations to come and provide amenities for the whole community.’”
The main contractor was EQUANS who specialise in low-carbon construction, refurbishment, and
energy systems. Alyson Seddon, Head of Education and Public Buildings at EQUANS, said: ‘This new cultural venue is vital to the local community, I’m looking forward to seeing it getting the use it deserves.”
Nina Hajiyianni, Artistic Director of Theatre Porto says: “Theatre Porto co-create and present the
highest quality theatre experiences for families, young audiences, and participants. We provide a
welcoming and accessible space for all children and young people, to tap into their creativity and potential. Our mission is to champion their ideas and creativity and at the same time, create opportunities for adults to rediscover their sense of curiosity and playfulness”.
The company has been a producer of original theatre and wide-ranging youth and community work
for over 35 years. Founded in 1986 as Action Transport Theatre, the company has a strong track record, transforming the lives of local children, young people, and wider communities.
The focus on making imaginative, and authentic professional theatre has established the company
as one of the leading performing arts companies in England, ‘for, by and with’ children and young
people, reaching thousands of participants and audience members each year.
Theatre Porto are crowdfunding for their inclusive engagement scheme. For details see :
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/inclusive-theatre-for-children-young-people
The Chester blog 