Get ready for the new Stratford ArtHouse

Omid Djilali, among the big acts coming to the new Stratford ArtHouse.

The regenerated building in Rother Street - formerly the Civic Hall - will be officially opened on Friday April 11 with a Touch FM breakfast show broadcasting live from the venue, after which schoolchildren will help BBC Midlands news reporter Nick Owen cut the ribbon.

Guests will then enjoy drinks, canapés and live music by the Stratford Girls Grammar School jazz band, followed by performances of the charity single Soldier On by singer Andrew James and a routine by the Mezzo Dance Company.

Then on Saturday April 12, people can dance the night away to 80s ‘cheese’ such as hits by Duran Duran and the Dallas theme tune at the ArtHouse’s first live music event. Featuring a Touch FM DJ, tribute band, 80s cocktails and a fancy dress competition, the over-18s-only event runs from 7pm to 12.30am. Tickets £15 from 01789 207100.

The new atrium space at Stratford ArtHouse.

And with an improved theatre with new staging and lighting and better seating, an atrium, landscaped gardens and an art exhibition space, people can expect a packed programme of stage, comedy, music and art events to come.

The regeneration was funded by Stratford Town Trust, which is now handing the management of the building over to the newly-formed Stratford-upon-Avon ArtsHouse Trust.

ArtHouse manager Martyn Balson said: “Our vision is to support and enable community-led events while promoting a wide programme of music, comedy, drama, dance and the arts from a vastly improved, dynamic new space. We’re counting down to the opening with great anticipation.”

A new website will be available soon. In the meantime, keep up-to-date on Twitter @OurTownTrust and @ArtsHouse