The Talisman Theatre has "proudly" declared the official opening of its long-awaited redevelopment, marking a "new era" for the Kenilworth-based venue.

Originally constructed in 1969 by volunteers, the building's longevity has "defied expectations", surpassing its projected 25-year lifespan - but becoming hindered by structural problems.

However, as audiences and community needs have grown, the need for a revitalised space became acutely apparent.

This vision has now come to fruition with the unveiling of the new theatre foyer.

Despite increasing costs, supply chain issues, skilled labour shortages, and a surge in demand for builders, the theatre persisted with the projects.

Fundraising efforts continued during the dark days of the pandemic, ultimately enabling the theatre to break ground in April 2022.

The £430,000 investment in the theatre's future was made possible by grants received from Kenilworth Town Council, groundworks on behalf of HS2, Warwickshire County Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Bernard Sunley Foundation, and Warwick District Council.

New foyer and community space is ready to welcome theatre members and visitors to the Talisman, Kenilworth (Image by Peter Weston)

Additional funds were also raised from a number of donations to the theatre from City Electrical Factors, Kenilworth Lions, Kenilworth Rotary, Leamington Arts Society, Coventry Building Society as well as numerous personal donations and member fundraising events.

The culmination of this transformative journey was celebrated on Saturday (November 18), with an open day that featured the official unveiling of the new space.

The Mayor of Kenilworth, Cllr Alix Dearing (who is also a theatre patron) officially declared the new foyer open alongside theatre president David Charlton and Lucy Henderson, the youngest member of the Youth Theatre.

Members, both new and old, along with theatre patrons and grant givers, were treated to behind-the-scenes tours, including insights from the technical crew, wardrobe team, and front-of-house volunteers.

Nigel Elliott, chairman for the Talisman Theatre, said he is pleased to see how comfortable audience members have been in the transformed space, even during sold-out performances.

He said: "The social events we've hosted so far have created a wonderful buzz back into the theatre's atmosphere, and it's great to see the cast members using the space to rehearse for our main stage and Fringe nights."

Theatre Chairman Nigel Elliott unveils commemorative plaque for new theatre foyer with Alix Dearing, theatre patron and Mayor of Kenilworth (image by Peter Weston)

Nigel added: "We're now excited to fulfil our ambition to use the space for performances, as an arts space, and sharing it with the wider artistic community."

As the theatre enjoys the benefits of this phase of development, plans are already underway to commence fundraising efforts for Phase 2.

This phase will see an extended theatre studio space and a much-needed wheelchair-accessible lift to the studio rehearsal space which will further enhance the opportunity to use this as a community space.

The Talisman Theatre sponsors Kenilworth Nub News' What's On section.

Without community-minded partners like them we would not be able to produce dedicated, clickbait-free news to the people of Kenilworth.