Tweedy the Clown was seen crashing through walls this week to launch the Everyman Theatre’s £1 million Grove Street Appeal to turn an existing facility in Grove Street, West Cheltenham into a new creative arts hub, the Everyman Education Centre, opening in Spring 2026.
The building will undergo a complete refurbishment to transform it into a vibrant community centre and the theatre’s panto star was only too happy to give a “helping” hand by knocking down a wall.
The Everyman’s award-winning Education and Community team work with over 22,000 people each year, delivering a range of initiatives, which help to improve mental health and wellbeing. As a registered charity, the theatre’s profits are re-invested into expanding its outreach work and the new centre will create more opportunities for under-served groups to enjoy life-changing and uplifting projects.
“We know the impact we bring to people’s lives through creative arts but we need the public’s help to raise £1 million to allow us to redevelop the existing building in Grove Street into a community asset we can all enjoy. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to realising our vision and with your support, we can create a centre of artistic excellence, which will inspire and empower for generations to come.”
– Mark Goucher, CEO, The Everyman Theatre
The Everyman currently has limited space in its busy working theatre and is aware that its services aren’t always reaching those in need who may face barriers to engaging with the arts – geographic, social, cultural and financial. The new centre will break down these barriers by providing a centrally located and welcoming space for all, that’s situated in the heart of the community.
Cheltenham is a town of significant disparities in health, wealth, and access to opportunities. The new centre will ensure that services are expanded, with a focus on increasing creative arts projects with and for less advantaged communities.
The theatre has already invested more than £300k so far – including the purchase of the building – and the newly launched fundraising campaign, with a target of £1 million, will ensure that the Everyman’s innovative creative vision is brought to life.
To find out how you can be involved and to support the fundraising effort, visit https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/grove-street-appeal
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About Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
The Everyman Theatre is Gloucestershire’s leading live entertainment venue, presenting a wide range of productions year-round, including ballet, opera, drama, dance, comedy, live music and a traditional annual pantomime. Opened in 1891, The Everyman Theatre is a Victorian masterpiece, with its magnificent main auditorium designed by esteemed architect Frank Matcham.
A registered charity, The Everyman Theatre is proud to offer a leading education, community and outreach programme, which includes a Summer School, Youth Theatre and Community Choir, offering people of all ages the opportunity to engage with the arts.
Robin Hood and His Merry Men
Tweedy is the star of the Everyman Theatre’s Christmas pantomime Robin Hood and His Merry Men, which this year will be supporting the Grove Street Appeal. There will be opportunities to donate when buying your panto tickets and with bucket collections throughout the run.
The show opens on Friday 28th November 2025 and runs until Sunday 11th January 2026.
Tickets are now on sale, and popular dates are selling fast.
BOOK NOW: https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/robin-hood-and-his-merry-men/
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E Partridge Building Services
The Everyman Theatre has appointed a local Stroud based family firm to carry out the works. E Partridge Building Services have over 20 years of experience in successfully delivering all types of construction projects, including new builds, extensions and conversions, specialising in the latest energy-efficient and environmentally friendly techniques. https://www.epbuilders.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/epbuilders
