Hedge End venue to be named The Berry Theatre

Honouring the town’s fruit picking heritage, the new £4m venue that opens in the newyear, will be called The Berry Theatre.

The fruit-inspired name was suggested by resident Sheila Perry, who chose the name to remind future generations that Hedge End was once made up of strawberry fields.

She said: “I felt it should reflect on local history.

I am thrilled my suggestion has been selected and look forward to the opening.”

Bigger than The Point in Eastleigh, The Berry Theatre will see exciting new professional shows take to the stagewhen it opens in April next year. It is being built next to the D@rt performing arts building at Wildern School, in Wildern Lane, but will be run independently of the school.

It is hoped the 308-seater auditorium will provide an accessible alternative venue to residents, who are forced to travel long distances to the Mayflower in Southampton and The Point in Eastleigh to enjoy professional theatre touring productions, It will boast it’s own dressing rooms, bar and box office and will host sell-out stage shows on Friday and Saturday evenings, leaving it available for amateur community groups on week nights.

Youngsters will be able to take advantage of a range of educational projects launched at the theatre, from writing master classes, to learning about a career in the technical side of the stage. It will also be the home to The Company youth theatre, for budding stars, aged between eight and 16, to get a taste of the spotlight.

Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Keith House, said: “Eastleigh Council’s vision for drama and arts in Hedge End will come to life when The Berry Theatre opens in the spring.

“Our new professional theatre will create an exciting performance space for local, national and international names and bring quality drama, professional children’s theatre, film, comedy and music to Hedge End.”