Actor, comedian and best-selling author Ben Miller cut the red ribbon and officially opened Cidermill Theatre at Chipping Campden School. American pop singer Jennifer Paige performed a live set, to an audience of 200 seated in the brand-new Rockspring Auditorium. The entire event was filmed for an Adventure TV series sponsored by Land Rover. 

John Sanderson CCS Principal comments “I could never have imagined that it would take 10 years and a great deal of collaboration and commitment to take the dream of a performing arts centre and make it into a reality. The building itself, in all honesty, has surpassed our expectations in housing a range of professional facilities. There is now a very vibrant future for the performing arts across the North Cotswolds. Let the show begin!”. 

The new facilities are for both school and community use and include the Rockspring Auditorium with a professional audio and lighting system and retractable seating for an audience of 292, an Amphitheatre for seating of up to 100, The Rhubarb Lounge for intimate performances, a fully equipped dance studio, black box studio, classroom and rehearsal areas, dressing rooms and a café and bar.

A programme of events for Cidermill Theatre is up and running and can be booked via the website www.cidermilltheatre.com. In addition to details on social media @cidermilltheatre.

Theatre Manager Danni McCabe commented, "It was fantastic to see the building full of people, the feedback from everyone was fabulous. Jennifer’s set was superb. It was wonderful to hear a live performance with our PA system, lighting and acoustics being showcased for the first time” 

The theatre programme will include something for everyone including theatrical performances, cinema screenings, talks, live music and dance. If you are interested in the performing arts and would like to volunteer ready for the Panto please contact Danielle McCabe dmccabe@cidermilltheatre.com. 

To donate to Cidermill Theatre please contact awarden@campden.school.