pic: Architect’s impression, Capita Architecture, images subject to change’
The Sherman Cymru has been championing a lot of great work throughout its years, and what with being the only producing theatre in Wales it has become a cultural hot bed of creativity and a devout pursuer in pushing new talent. And it is for these reasons and more that the Arts Council of Wales has put 3.9 million towards the theatre building being transformed into a sleek new development.
“This is really great news and we’re delighted with Arts Council of Wales’s support,” says Director of Sherman Cymru Chris Ricketts. “The building work we will be able to do will vastly improve facilities, enhance our profile within the city and really enable us to be more ambitious with the productions we create and the performances we programme.”
The building will close for refurbishment in January 2010 but will open to reveal a much more impressive building, for both performer and audience. Backstage rehearsal spaces will be given an overhaul as are the offices. More importantly for the audience the foyer is having work done to it, as are the toilets, which are always an important aspect of any building.
Sherman Cymru has gained much acclaim over the years and most notably for its new production Deep Cut which was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has gone on to success in London.
“Sherman’s contribution to the cultural life of Wales is longstanding and well established,” says Nick Capaldi, Arts Council of Wales Chief Executive. “We’re delighted to be making this significant investment of funding in the theatre’s future. Sherman Cymru is already one of the country’s most important theatre producers. It’s essential that it has the quality of facilities to match.”
All the building needs is the remaining £1.5 million needed to fulfil its targets. And when the theatre is such a vital part of the Welsh cultural circle this should hopefully be reached with ease.
Despite shutting its doors in January the Sherman Cymru will move to temporary offices in Cardiff and continue to produce and tour theatre throughout the land.