A brand new £4 million, state-of-the-art theatre being built in the Cotswolds has been given its name.

The venue on site at Chipping Campden School is nearing completion and plans to launch in Spring 2022.

Last Friday the school announced its name 'Cidermill Theatre' to its board of trustees, governors, investors, donors and valued sponsors with a celebratory evening of entertainment provided by students of Chipping Campden School.

They also introduced their newly appointed general manager, Danielle McCabe, who has been tasked with taking the building from empty shell to full house.

Danielle said: "I am so thrilled to be appointed into this role. The theatre will offer outstanding performing art facilities for the students of Chipping Campden School, but will also be a cultural hub providing access to the arts for the surrounding community."

After nine years of planning, the project, which has been supported by Julian Lloyd Webber, is nearing completion.

Chipping Campden School principal John Sanderson said: "I am absolutely delighted with how the build is progressing considering the many challenges we have faced over the last 20 months."

The new facilities will transform the creative learning opportunities for Chipping Campden School students and teachers. 

In addition to the spacious auditorium, with retractable tiered seating for up to 340 allowing maximum flexibility of the space, there will be a fully equipped large dance and drama studio with fully sprung floors, dressing rooms with showers, multi-functional spaces for classrooms and a performance lounge, refreshment and bar area and excellent lighting, acoustics, and technical equipment.

Danielle added: "We will also offer the local community a new space for events, groups and societies and we're planning an exciting and wide-ranging programme of live performances, cinema screenings, talks, seminars and exhibitions".

Fundraising for the project has gone well and the school is just £80,000 short of its target.

There are several ways you can be involved and support the project. 

To find out more please go to www.perform.campden.school  or contact development officer Alicia Warden awarden@campden.school  or 01386 848754.