Understand
Historic St Albans barn opens as new 'daring' theatre space by OVO
Overview
St Albans-based theatre company OVO has raised over £1m to transform a 17th-century Grade II listed threshing barn in Verulamium Park into a 120-seat performance space. Before undergoing full renovation in 2027, the venue is launching with a series of productions starting with Macbeth, supporting under-represented industry talent through repertory-based contracts.
Key points
- Theatre company OVO raised more than £1m to launch 'Free Range Theatre' at a 17th-century threshing barn in Verulamium Park, St Albans.
- The Grade II listed building will operate as a temporary performance space before closing for major renovations into a 120-seat theatre in 2027.
- The venue's opening production is William Shakespeare's Macbeth, running until 8 November.
- Founder and artistic director Adam Nichols stated the initiative aims to provide longer-term contracts and development opportunities for under-represented individuals in the industry.
- The project is supported by patrons including Dame Joanna Lumley, Ralph Fiennes, Brian Cox and Zoë Wanamaker.
- Upcoming autumn and winter productions include Jesse Norman's The Winding Stair and Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.