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New £4million Cidermill Theatre opens at Chipping Campden School




Chipping Campden School opened its multi-million pound performance arts centre, the Cidermill Theatre on Friday. Gill Sutherland went along to try out the comfy seats…

A DAZZLING new theatre opened at Chipping Campden School on Friday with a celebratory launch party.

The exterior of the new building. Photo: Laurence Iles (59776040)
The exterior of the new building. Photo: Laurence Iles (59776040)

Named after a nearby road and referencing the town’s historic cider apple orchards, the Cidermill Theatre cost £4million overall. The school raised £2million through selling land and £2million came from charitable trusts (including major sponsor The Rockspring Charitable Trust), foundations and community fundraising and local businesses.

Herald Arts was at the launch event, and between munching on delicious canapés – served by charming students clad in fetching purple Cidermill T-shirts – and sipping the free fizz, we were gobsmacked by the stylish theatre which will be a huge asset to the school.

Actor Ben Miller cut the ribbon on the new Cidermill Theatre at Chipping Campden School
Actor Ben Miller cut the ribbon on the new Cidermill Theatre at Chipping Campden School

All three of my children have gone to Campden and so I have watched many a drama production in the acoustically-compromised, sometimes draughty/often stuffy main hall at Campden, that also doubles up as assembly room and canteen… That lingering school dinner aroma blighted many dramatic moment. So stepping into the Cidermill felt akin to entering Wonderland.

The new facilities are intended for both school and community use, and include the Rockspring Auditorium with a professional audio and lighting system and retractable seating for an audience of 292, an amphitheatre for seating of up to 100, the Rhubarb Lounge for intimate performances, a fully equipped dance studio, black box studio, classroom and rehearsal areas, dressing rooms and a café and bar.

Principal of Chipping Campden School John Sanderson giving in the Rockspring Auditorium ©Cameo Studio (59776054)
Principal of Chipping Campden School John Sanderson giving in the Rockspring Auditorium ©Cameo Studio (59776054)

One of the chief drivers behind the project is old Campden alumni Edward Bennett – the RSC actor cites the influence his then drama teacher setting him on his chosen career path.

A charming conversationalist he spoke enthusiastically about at last seeing the theatre come to fruition (see right).

The very precise minute of its official opening came care of actor Ben Miller, who was on ribbon-cutting duty. Based down the road in the Cotswolds, he is best-known for the Armstrong and Miller sketch show, films Johnny English and Paddington, and most recently Netflix smash, Bridgerton.

Principal of Chipping Campden School John Sanderson and General Manager of Cidermill Theatre Danni McCabe ©Cameo Studio (59776052)
Principal of Chipping Campden School John Sanderson and General Manager of Cidermill Theatre Danni McCabe ©Cameo Studio (59776052)

After the official opening, speeches followed in the theatre with principal John Sanderson leading the way. Clearly a very happy man, he beamed: “I could never have imagined that it would take ten years and a great deal of collaboration and commitment to take the dream of a performing arts centre and make it into a reality.

“The building itself, in all honesty, has surpassed our expectations in housing a range of professional facilities. There is now a very vibrant future for the performing arts across the north Cotswolds. Let the show begin!”

A little incongruously, a set of soft rock followed from American singer Jennifer Paige, who scored a pop hit with Crush in the 1990s. It might have been nice to showcase some school or local talent, but I guess the school was flexing its muscles as a professional theatre.

The acoustics and lights were indeed very impressive, and the comfy theatre chairs (available to sponsor!) were a very welcome change from the clattering plasticky stacking ones that one’s derrière is usually parked on at CCS. Happy days.

The new theatre is being overseen by general manager Danielle McCabe, who is planning a wide-ranging programme of theatrical performances, cinema screenings, talks, live music and dance.

Speaking after the launch, she said: “It was fantastic to see the building full of people, the feedback from everyone was fabulous, and it was wonderful to hear a live performance with our PA system, lighting and acoustics being showcased for the first time.”



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