Decision details

Councillor Horrill informed the meeting that part of the former Antiques Market was being used by The Nutshell as a meanwhile use.

Harriet Morris and Hannah Harding from The Nutshell were present at the meeting and gave a short presentation on the work that was being carried out to promote the Antiques Market as a performance space.

In summary, it was stated that the Antiques Market had been used by The Nutshell from September 2018.  Challenges had been the heating of the premises, dealing with the acoustics of the building when two floors were in use and fundraising (with £15,000 raised to date).

There had been success in hiring out the space to local groups including the Youth Theatre Company and the Theatre Royal who had use the premise’s studio space to rehearse its Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.  Two shows had also been staged at the premises and had sold out with 75 people attending each.  The shows had generated excitement in local people and a comprehensive performance programme for the New Year was being devised, including productions to involve young people, acting lessons, mothers with babies, arts and crafts and groups to combat loneliness.

There had been support and sponsorship from local organisations, and The Nutshell had featured on BBC television.  The Wessex Hotel had donated chairs for the venture and Travelbag had donated office furniture, with Warrens and local paint shops also providing assistance.  It was working in partnership with the Theatre Royal, Unit 12, The Guildhall and the Railway Inn, which increased the vibrancy of arts provision in Winchester.

The Nutshell’s website was https://www.thenutshellwinchester.com and the Chairman stated that the Council would help promote its performance programme through its own social media.

The presenters gave their thanks to Melissa Jepson and Graeme Todd in the City Council’s Estates Department for helping them to get established.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.