The Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre

The City Council is delighted to announce that the Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts centre has been awarded an 'in-principal' Community Assets grant of £1.95 Million from the Office of the Third Sector to support the redevelopment of this much loved venue.  The complex consists of two buildings, the Mitchell Memorial Youth Theatre and Cartwright House, which we hope will both be refurbished.

From over 220 applications, 36 projects have been shortlisted to receive 'in principle' grant offers.  The City Council now has up to six months to develop detailed plans for spending their grant and present them to BIG for a non competitive assessment.

Pete Courtie, cultural development manager for the council, said: "This complex provides an invaluable resource for a broad range of community groups and voluntary and professional arts.  There is still a great deal of work to do before we finally secure funding but this opportunity will transform and revitalise the building and provide a top-class arts venue in the heart of the city.  It is great news for the city and it shows that we have impressed with our application and that this city is serious about the arts, culture and the creative industries."

The £30 million Community Assets programme is delivered by the Big Lottery Fund.

The theatre affectionately known as the 'Mitch' has played host to amateur drama societies for the past fifty years. The theatre has a tremendous atmosphere that draws the audience in. It's a magical place to see anything from a saucy farce to popular musical because the performers are so close to you giving it an intimate feel. The 'Mitch' remains the embodiment of an instinct expressed by a famous one-time amateur when he sang "Let me entertain you."

Productions:

• plays;
• pantomimes;
• concerts;
• scout gang shows;
• dance displays; and
• festivals.

If you want to be involved you can easily join an amateur theatre company.  Opportunities don't just include acting, you can:

• support on stage;
• work back stage; and
• work front of house.

Interested in joining? Click on Drama Groups