New management will deliver a packed programme of live performance and community events – keeping the spirit of the venue alive and thriving
Stratford Community Venue, formerly known as the Play House, is set to reopen its doors with a full programme of live entertainment and community events on the horizon — and a new operator at the helm.
Following an open and competitive tender process, a new charity, Rother Street Arts House formed by Catherine Prout, Laura Ashfield, Hattie Human and John-Robert Partridge, has been appointed by Stratford Town Trust to run the much-loved venue on Rother Street. The team will take over from September with a clear remit to deliver a lively and inclusive programme that balances community use with high-quality commercial events.
Choosing a New Operator with Community Value at Its Heart
The search for a new operator was launched in February, with the opportunity advertised and promoted locally and nationally. The process attracted an exceptional nineteen initial expressions of interest and eleven tender submissions, including several strong proposals. These were assessed against a single set of clear criteria including experience, financial sustainability, and — crucially — a commitment to prioritising community access and programming.
“We are confident this process has delivered the best possible outcome for this treasured local space and for the people who love and use it,” says Sara Aspley, Chief Executive, Stratford Town Trust. “As a hub for live entertainment, it means a great deal to the community — and the tender brief for the operator reflected that, with a requirement for meaningful community use alongside a commercially programmed calendar to help it thrive.”
A Vision for the Future
The appointed team behind Rother Street Arts House brings a proven track record in programming an award-winning live performance venue in Stratford-upon-Avon and with a strong network of commercial contacts that will deliver comedy, popular music, spoken word, touring theatre and family shows to the venue. As part of their commitment, they will support community-run events and ensure space and opportunity for local voices and groups to be heard and celebrated.
“We’re incredibly excited to be taking this wonderful community space into its next chapter” says Catherine Prout. “Knowing how loved it is as a centre piece of the community we are dedicated to maintaining and building on its legacy, ensuring it is a creative, inclusive space for everyone.”
Audiences can expect to see a mix of much-loved favourites and exciting new names at the Rother Street venue in the months ahead.
Alongside this, plans are in development for an expanded community offer — with space for participatory events, and partnerships with schools, amateur companies and voluntary groups. On Saturday 4th October, the Rother Street Arts House will transform into Stratford’s Fun Palace, a community led event where local people can come together to share their skills, passions and interests.
The team are encouraging any local groups interested in using the space to get in touch via: artshouseenquiries@stratfordtowntrust.co.uk
Partnership and Accountability
The operating agreement includes clear expectations around access for community groups and the delivery of public benefit. Performance against these commitments will be monitored regularly, and the team behind Rother Street Arts House are eager to begin conversations with a wide range of local arts organisations about partnership working and future programming.
Building on a Proud Legacy
This next chapter for Stratford’s community arts venue builds on its proud legacy — preserving what audiences love while strengthening its future. The venue will reopen in September, with further announcements to come on upcoming programming and ways to get involved.
“We’re confident this appointment puts this much-loved hub of live entertainment in strong hands — balancing a commitment to community use with a high-quality programme that will appeal to a wide range of audiences,” says Sara Aspley, Chief Executive, Stratford Town Trust.
“We are honoured to have been awarded the stewardship of such an important venue to the by Stratford Town Trust. We are excited to get started and looking forward to welcoming the community back through its doors very soon” says Catherine Prout, Rother Street Arts House.