New arts venue aims to bring drama to rural community
Amy (left) and Esther Gibbons outside Slate Barn, a space that they are developing into a performing arts venue. - Credit: Archant
A fundraising initiative has begun to convert a barn into a performing arts venue to bring drama to rural communities.
Slate Barn Arts is hoping to bring theatre, comedy, magic and music to the 18th century farm building in Glemham Road, Sweffling, but needs to carry out structural work to bring the venue up to standard.
This includes repairs to the roof, weatherproofing and insulation, as well as work to the backstage area and the provision of toilets.
Tommy Campe and Hatty Ashton during rehearsals in Slate Barn. - Credit: Archant
In the long term, accommodation could also be provided on-site.
Amy Gibbons, who runs the barn with her sister Esther and partner Sam Gaulier, said her father Richard, who owns the farm, bequeathed the barn as a gift to create an arts venue similar to The Cut in Halesworth, which was founded by Ms Gibbons’ uncle James Holloway.
She added: “My uncle James Holloway founded The Cut in Halesworth so there was always a history of my family wanting to support the arts and create opportunities in rural communities, to get people to work in theatre and do other artistic events to connect communities.”
Iain Gibbons during rehearsals in Slate Barn. - Credit: Archant
Her family are all actively involved in the arts, including setting up festivals, while Ms Gibbons’ other sister, Polly, is a jazz singer.
Most Read
- 1 WATCH: 'Unplayable' delivery from Suffolk bowler goes viral
- 2 15 strikers that Ipswich Town could turn to for goals this summer
- 3 Plans for 20 homes in Suffolk village unanimously refused
- 4 5 miles of congestion on A14 after crash involving car and two lorries
- 5 Community sadness after death of man who was found in river
- 6 Fire crews tackle blaze for several hours at Suffolk farm
- 7 Woman freed from vehicle after car overturns near to shops
- 8 Family's support for 'mum-in-a-million' after double amputation for sepsis
- 9 Long delays on A14 near Ipswich after police called to hole in the road
- 10 Ipswich Town's 'true league standing' revealed in new survey
An event is due to take place at the barn on April 16 to help towards the fundraising effort entitled The Barn Revue, featuring bands and DJs, but money is also coming from other sources, including The Arts Council and sponsors.
“It is really hard to access good quality theatre in Suffolk. We have this space where we create and rehearse and we invite international artists to come here.
“It is impossible for some people to access theatre unless they go to the Edinburgh Festival, so we wanted to bring it here by setting up the barn,” Ms Gibbons added.
Esther Gibbons outside Slate Barn - Credit: Archant
Doors for The Barn Revue open at 6.30pm with the event starting at 7.30pm with performances from The Afrika Jambo Band, DJ Precise, Mancini, Wellybootleg and Phatos Philos.
There will also be a bar, hot dogs and snacks. Tickets are £15 or £12 for concessions.
To book, email info@slatebarnarts.com.
