St Albans: OVO plans new theatre near Verulamium Museum

OVO, which already operates The Maltings Theatre and the Roman Theatre of Verulamium, would create the venue in St Germain’s Barn near Verulamium Park.

The plans for the site - adjacent to the Verulamium Museum - would also see disused sports pavilion St Michael’s Changing Rooms included, as both buildings are transformed into "an atmospheric performance space".

he grant will enable OVO to renovate and convert the 18th century barn. (Image: Lipsey PR / OVO)

The grant has been received as part of the UK Government's £150 million Community Ownership Fund, which was created to help communities take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of closure.

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OVO now hopes to complete the conversion of the two buildings, currently owned by St Albans City and District Council, by the end of 2024.

The new theatre would be officially opened in 2025.

OVO hope to open the theatre in 2025. (Image: Lipsey PR / OVO)

Adam Nichols, OVO's artistic director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this grant from the Community Ownership Fund.

"Our new theatre will provide a winter home for OVO, just a stone’s throw from the Roman Theatre where we have built a loyal audience over the past nine years.

"It will enable us to realise our long term dream of creating a permanent repertory company and attracting the brightest and best theatre performers and creatives to our wonderful city.

“The beautiful St Germain’s Barn will make an intimate and atmospheric setting for bold and imaginative theatre, whilst the conversion of St Michael’s Changing Rooms will provide a fantastic place for our audiences to eat, drink and mingle and great rehearsal and backstage spaces for our performers and creatives.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this grant. (Image: Lipsey PR / OVO)

Further information regarding OVO can be found on the theatre company's website: www.ovo.org.uk

St Germain’s Barn will join the Abbey Theatre, the Alban Arena, the Roman Theatre of Verulamium and The Maltings Theatre in serving live performances to central St Albans.

It will enable us to realise our long term dream. (Image: Lipsey PR / OVO)