Fareham Live fully unveiled before weekend launch

24 September 2024 Connor Steel

A SMALL NUMBER OF invited guests were in attendance at Fareham Live on Tuesday morning as councillors formally unveiled a sneak peak of their new multi-million pound entertainment and community venue which is set to host its first ever public show this weekend and follows two years of work to replace the space previously known as Ferneham Hall.

This venue, described as a “Jewel” for the Borough, is located towards the back of Fareham Shopping Centre and is to boast the eight-hundred seat Main Auditorium for performances. This is joined by Studio One (120 seats) and a flexible room entitled Studio Two, whilst a cafe and bar facilities are further available for every guest to sample when attending.

Fareham Borough Council own the new building and the scheme has cost a total of around £17 million which has been funded from developer contributors. If they secure a £1 million of Community Infrastructure Levy Contributions they will have enough money to fully fund the venue without any need for any borrowing and no use of ‘taxpayers monies’ at all.

It is outlined that the venue has helped to make a total of ninety five job roles for local residents, and Fareham Borough Council are hoping that it will re-generate the Town Centre over time. They are said to be working with local businesses about opportunities and discussed several community aspects looking ahead, such as the 2025 Summer Youth project.

A tour of the building fully displayed the theme of accessibility with wheelchair access available backstage and Front of House; as well as the entrances, stalls and the circle. There is further an option to use a customer lift to reach all upper levels and accessible toilet facilities are located on all floors; alongside a changing places facility for those who need it.

All staircases have a handle on one side and people needing extra assistance are urged to speak to all staff upon their arrival to the venue. People who have hearing issues have also been accommodated as a Sennheiser system and can connect to the listener through a headset whilst there is relaxed and British Sign Languages interpreted shows on offer.

Other highlights of the building is the performers dressing room, which are kitted out with essentials such as chairs and mirrors alongside a working microwave. Each dressing room is named after a ward area of Fareham such as Hill Head and Stubbington; giving performers a sense of the Borough’s huge tradition and history before they come out on stage.

Another part of Fareham’s history is an use of preserved and repurposed brick in this venue, which have been cleaned before being repointed. The move continues the theme of sustainability as the venue uses solar panels, air pumps and its fabric helps in heating / cooling. Food Waste will further be reprocessed into biofuel, gases, and fertiliser to be used.

This venue is now due to open for the public this Saturday (September 28) as it hosts an one-off performance from the Prat Pack; which features four funny comedians of Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Shane Richie and Joe Pasquale. The Rocky Horror Show, starring Jason Donavon, will then start on Tuesday night and will last for five days until October 5.

A full calendar of shows and performances has already been published covering a range of genres; which includes the comedies from Jimmy Carr and Al Murray. Family shows include The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Shrek The Musical, and Pop Princesses as well as the Cinderella pantomimes from December 13-January 5; featuring Paul Burling and others.

Music will further be an aspect of the venue with shows such as Think Floyd, Elton John By Candlelight and One Night In Dublin offering a good time for all tastes. It was stated that over 30000 tickets have been sold by Trafalgar Theatres, who are the venue operators and have added to their portfolio representing regional / international world class facilities.

Readers can examine more information about Fareham Live and its background via this designated council link, whilst the venue’s official website is assessible online here including a list of performances and an option to buy show tickets.

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