Trafalgar Theatres reveals opening plans for Fareham Live

Trafalgar Entertainment will open its newest venue, Fareham Live, in October this year.

Trafalgar Theatres – the theatre division of Trafalgar Entertainment – was awarded the contract to operate Fareham Live by Fareham Borough Council in June last year. It adds to its 16-strong portfolio of venues in the UK and Australia.

Now plans for its opening have been revealed, with the venue featuring a main auditorium with seating for 800 people and a full-height fly tower to support larger performances. Removable seating will increase capacity to about 1,000.

A secondary performance space, new bar and cafe area, and studio space supporting community groups and organisations, will also form part of the new building. It will open with The Rocky Horror Show starring Jason Donovan, running from October 1.

Trafalgar Theatres chief executive Helen Enright said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Fareham Borough Council to launch Fareham Live. Rocky is the perfect party to kick-off our opening season and the wider programme offers something for everyone – which of course is what Fareham Live is all about. Launching a brand new state-of-the-art venue is a rare and special moment presenting exciting opportunity and endless prospects. We are excited to welcome those early audiences and want to make sure that the whole community has an opportunity to participate.”

Donovan added: “I cannot wait to be on stage and to open Fareham Live with the legendary Rocky Horror Show. From the very first performance in London, Richard O’Brien created a show from the wilds of his imagination with incredible music that has now stood the test of time, and an awesome energy that befits its accolades and endurance.”

Fareham Live’s pantomime will be Cinderella, starring AJ and Curtis Pritchard while the opening season also includes shows from Jimmy Carr, Jane McDonald, Anton Du Beke, Adam Kay and Ranulph Fiennes.

Gavin Shuman, Fareham Live venue director, said: “Work is progressing well at Fareham Live, and the size and scale of this modern venue is taking shape. It is an exciting time for the project as we announce the opening season; and our recruitment drive is well underway.

“Fareham Live will be the cultural hub of Fareham, offering a variety of classes and events throughout the day, as well as fantastic evening entertainment such as national touring shows, comedy, ballet, opera and much more. We will also be hosting many local societies performing their annual shows. With classes including drama, dance and yoga, there really will be something for everyone. A cafe and bar will also provide a great space to eat, drink and relax during the day and before evening shows.”