Tweedy the Clown was seen crashing through walls last week to launch the Everyman Theatre's £1 million Grove Street Appeal to turn an existing facility in Grove Street, West Cheltenham, into a new creative arts hub, the Everyman Education Centre, opening in Spring 2026.

The building will undergo a complete refurbishment to transform it into a vibrant community centre and the theatre's panto star was only too happy to give a "helping" hand by knocking down a wall.

The Everyman's award-winning Education and Community team works with more than 22,000 people each year, delivering a range of initiatives, which help to improve mental health and wellbeing. As a registered charity, the theatre's profits are reinvested into expanding its outreach work and the new centre will create more opportunities for under-served groups to enjoy life-changing and uplifting projects.

Mark Goucher, CEO, the Everyman Theatre, said: "We know the impact we bring to people's lives through creative arts but we need the public's help to raise £1 million to allow us to redevelop the existing building in Grove Street into a community asset we can all enjoy. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to realising our vision and with your support, we can create a centre of artistic excellence, which will inspire and empower for generations to come."

The Everyman currently has limited space in its busy working theatre and is aware that its services aren't always reaching those in need who may face barriers to engaging with the arts - geographic, social, cultural and financial. The new centre will break down these barriers by providing a centrally located and welcoming space for all, that's situated in the heart of the community.

Cheltenham is a town of significant disparities in health, wealth, and access to opportunities. The new centre will ensure that services are expanded, with a focus on increasing creative arts projects with and for less advantaged communities.

The theatre has already invested more than £300k so far - including the purchase of the building - and the newly launched fundraising campaign, with a target of £1 million, will ensure that the Everyman's innovative creative vision is brought to life.

To find out how you can be involved and to support the fundraising effort, visit https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/grove-street-appeal/