Cultural hub marks 20 years of serving community

Artsdepot boasts two theatre spaces, as well as dance and drama studios, a gallery space and a cafe

A cultural hub is celebrating 20 years of bringing arts to the community in Barnet.

Artsdepot in North Finchley, north London, says it is a "creative home for everyone" with shows for children and adults through the festive season and during the rest of the year.

Having withstood the Coronavirus pandemic, energy price hikes and the cost-of-living crisis, they say they are optimistic about the future.

Monique Delatant, Artsdepot CEO, says the key to their survival is they know their audience and are always "making something for everyone".

Audience participation is encouraged during peformances of The Gruffalo's Child

In one of the Artsdepot auditoriums, there's an adaptation of Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo's Child - it too marking a 20-year anniversary. The theatre is packed with school and nursery groups, young families and other local people singing and dancing along.

Actor Hannah Mullen says: "You get to relate to the audience - they're so close and they're so willing to participate. I really enjoy having that relationship with the audience and what they give you."

Hannah says these small theatres are crucial to young actors establishing their careers.

"They take a chance on more emerging talent, emerging shows."

The production, by Tall Stories, debuted here and will go on tour in the US in the spring.

Puppetry and music make for a magical combination

Another show is being staged in the smaller auditorium at Artsdepot. The Fir Tree combines music and puppetry in a retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson tale.

The director, Eva Sampson, says: "It's not easy making new work. You need people saying, 'yes'... and 'how can we help'? This building really does that. And the way they welcome an audience is really special."

They'd just put on their first show, so the writer, Teresa Burns, was watching in the back row.

"A grandma turned to me, with her little grandson and said: 'He loved it - but I really loved it.' Actually, you're catering for everyone and if you do that then it's tick, tick, tick."

West End alternative

It's not just theatre here at Arstdepot. The Department of Winter is a space created for Christmas where children can play games and do crafting.

There are plans to update facilities at Artsdepot next year, while continuing to present an appealing programme for the community.

Monique says: "Twenty years is an amazing moment, considering we were born the same year as Facebook started. Yet that passion that people have, to come and visit local art spaces, is still there."

And they aim to continue offering an alternative to the West End.

Monique says: "We're extremely proud of all that creative work that goes on there, but actually for those who can't get there, who can't afford it - we have tickets that start at £12 and we also have a lot of free activity. We really pride ourselves on knowing our audience and making something for everyone."