Group of 250 volunteers take over theatre

A showing of The Shamrock Spitfire launched the new enterprise

A theatre left with an uncertain future when its operator collapsed in 2020 has been taken over by a group of community volunteers.

The Artrix in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, which opened in 2005, is now run by more than 250 volunteers who comprise the Bromsgrove Community Arts group, a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) founded specifically to take over the theatre.

The venue had its opening night under new leadership on Wednesday for a premiere of film The Shamrock Spitfire.

Shot in Bromsgrove by Birmingham-based Pixel Revolution Films, it tells the story of decorated Irish Spitfire pilot Brendan “Paddy” Finucane, the youngest Wing Commander in the history of the Royal Air Force.

Chairman of Bromsgrove Community Arts, Kyle Daisley, said: "Last night was quite emotional for all the volunteers. Everybody left with a smile on their face - that's why we do it.

"We wanted this to be our first event. The Shamrock Spitfire has already won more than 50 awards and was filmed here in Bromsgrove."

Mr Daisley, who is also the chairman of Worcestershire County Council and a councillor for Bromsgrove, said there was a lot of upset within the community when the Artrix closed in 2020.

The venue was later utilised as a mass vaccination centre during the Covid-19 pandemic and then became the temporary home of the Solihull Core Theatre after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found in its auditorium in September.

More than 250 volunteers are involved with the Bromsgrove Community Arts group and will help to run the Artrix

When Solihull Core did not renew its lease on the Artrix, the community group knew it was time to put plans into action, seeking a short-term lease of the venue so members could gauge how things went and adapt their business model.

"It's all about providing a place for the community and providing opportunities for members of the community," said Mr Daisley, 26.

"Some volunteers are so thankful we've given them a chance and a purpose in life - that's absolutely what we're all about.

"It's not just a theatre, it's a community hub for everybody. It makes the stress and the sleepless nights all worthwhile."