We are delighted to share that we have donated £6000 to the nationally acclaimed youth theatre company and registered charity Kidz R Us to help them achieve the final, yet vital stage in their £1.6 million theatre regeneration project of St Ives Theatre.
Formerly a Wesleyan Chapel, and home to Kidz R Us for the past 30 years, St Ives Theatre has been a pillar of the community for generations. Securing funding from St Ives Town Deal Fund, the youth theatre group has led the project, passionate about ensuring their members have the best space possible to sing, act and dance.
The extensive renovation included modernising the auditorium, replacing and restoring all window frames, reworking the stained-glass windows, creating an extended cafe-bar space, and installing more energy-efficient systems. The work carried out has been undertaken to modernise the venue and protect it for years to come.
However, upon completion of the major building works, additional funding was still required for the final stage of the transformation: installing new seating in the 312-seat auditorium. As long-term supporters of Kidz R Us, we knew we had to step in; our donation ensured match-funding could be unlocked, allowing the final phase to go ahead.
Newly installed, the plush red seats elevate the venue, bringing style, glamour and improved comfort to the theatre. Once fitted, we were invited to see the seating, along with the fantastic improvements made throughout the theatre. It also gave us a chance to meet some of the lovely kids and adults involved in Kidz R Us and get a glimpse into the role St Ives Theatre plays in the kids’ lives.
Gemma Taylor, Communications & PR Manager at Aspects Holidays, said:
“We are delighted to support St Ives Theatre and the incredible work of Kidz R Us. The theatre is such an important part of the local community, and many of our team have personal connections through family and friends involved in the productions. Being able to contribute towards the final stage of the refurbishment and help bring the project to completion is something we’re very proud of.”
Theatre Manager Tom Richards said:
“We are very grateful to Aspects Holidays and all the local businesses who have supported us. Their generosity has helped us complete the final stage of our refurbishment, ensuring audiences can enjoy performances in comfort for years to come. These new seats are the perfect finishing touch to what is now a truly transformed theatre.”
If you’re in St Ives, we recommend popping along to the cafe or watching a show if there’s one on during your time in St Ives. Take a look at what’s on at St Ives Theatre, and if you’re looking to stay nearby, see all St Ives holidays here>