Dating back to the Georgian period, this once glorious destination was originally an assembly room and later a theatre whose visitors included the likes of a young Agatha Christie, who would often tread the boards with her family. Converted into the Odeon in the 1930s this important community focal point houses a rich history, creating memories for residents and visitors for over 190 years with the earliest recorded play ‘The Liar’ being performed in 1827.
When its former owners, Merlin Cinema chose to relocate, there was a real possibility that this property would be lost to re-development or demolition and so Unleashed is proposing to return this beautiful building back to its original use. As well as being a theatre, it is hoped that the building will become a popular creative arts hub, in the very heart of the community, enabling Unleashed to develop new service opportunities, meeting the needs of the vulnerable whilst also helping to improve the well-being of those in Torbay and South Devon.
(Click on images to enlarge)
Over the next 3-5 years, Unleashed will be developing the former cinema in to a multi-purpose cultural and community hub which can facilitate our existing programme whilst allowing for us to:
Unleashed recognises that access to culture and the arts is important to the well-being of a community and is committed to ensuring that every member of society is offered the same opportunities. Therefore, whilst we remain a completely inclusive charity and welcome those from all walks of life, our priority will always be to develop a programme around vulnerable members of our community.