RABBLE Theatre has been given a new home in Caversham.
The theatre group have been awarded a ten year lease of the Caversham Stables, giving it a new home in Reading.
It comes after Reading Borough Council considered bids from a number of other groups, but decided that RABBLE would bring “cultural Value.”
Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council: “We can regard RABBLE as a firm and established part of the cultural landscape”.
His sentiments were echoed by Karen Rowland, lead councillor for culture, who said that “RABBLE works in wonderful symbiosis with the council’s cultural aims”.
The new space, between Caversham Court Gardens and the River Thames, will not be used as a theatre, however.
Not only is the site a Grade II listed building, but RABBLE also intends to continue to stage its performances in other public spaces.
Instead the company has laid out a few key ways that it intends to make use of its new home.
It is currently looking to invest in the building’s environmental sustainability, while its core team uses parts of the building as office space.
It is further looking to open up the space to production rehearsals and development, hosting its workshops and educational programs, as well as hired space for performance and cultural groups.
Dani Davies, co-artistic director of RABBLE, said: “We are extremely grateful to the council for their decision, which wholeheartedly supports the cultural development of this part of England.
“We have the opportunity to unleash something special here.”
As a result of the company’s successful bid, it has taken the decision to pause its productions until 2023.
Despite this, it will continue to run its weekly acting classes, LAMDA sessions, Saturday Young Company, and its after school clubs.
It will also go ahead with its summer schools, currently set for August.
RABBLE has been working with the community for ten years, producing theatre while working with local people and stories to celebrate diversity and identity.
It has also worked to make theatre more accessible through its access funds and pricing schemes.
