ONE OF Reading’s most iconic buildings is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a gala performance of a classic show and a brand new exhibition.
The Hexagon theatre in the heart of Reading is celebrating 45 years of stage shows and music since its opening in 1977.
It will mark the occasion with new exhibition, as well as a special showing of one of its long-running shows.
Flagship show Jack and the Beanstalk is the twelfth Christmas pantomime staged by the Hexagon in collaboration with Imagine Theatre, a partnership which kicked off in 2010 with Sleeping Beauty.
The venue has seen some of the world’s biggest musicians, comedians, and performers, including Victoria Wood, The Smiths, Joan Rivers, Peter Kay, Rik Mayall, The Cure, Cilla Black, Morecambe and Wise, and French and Saunders.
More recently, it has played host to performances from Tim Minchin, Diversity, Noel Fielding, Mo Gilligan, Omid Djalili, Chris and Rosie Ramsay, and Laura Marling.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “Reading’s Hexagon theatre has kept us entertained over the years.
“With big-name comedians like Frankie Howerd and Victoria Wood, singers including Ben E King, Cilla Black and Paloma Faith.
“Spectacular musicals like We Will Rock You, hilarious pantomimes and exquisite classical concerts – and even snooker and wrestling back in the day.”
She said it has also championed talents closer to home: “It’s not just about the big names though, local amateur, community and youth groups have always been at the heart of the Hexagon.
“Many future stars began their careers performing here including Kate Winslet, Christian Bale and our very own Hexagon panto star, Justin Fletcher.
The building, designed by Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall in the Brutalist style of modernist architecture, has become one of Reading’s most central and recognisable.
“It was wonderful to have our partners at The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) supporting our celebrations back in October.
“Reading’s award-winning panto is one of the highlights of the Hexagon’s entertainment calendar – and I’m delighted they are joining us in celebrating the Hex 45 anniversary season.
She also explained that the Hex 45 exhibition will feature “memorabilia from the venue’s illustrious past, as well as a chance for people to own their own Hex 45 themed merchandise, including posters, mugs and tote bags.”
Speaking of the venue’s role in the upcoming plans to rejuvenate the town centre, she said: “Whist we celebrate the past 45 years we also have ambitions plans for the future of the Hex.
“With our aim to add a new performance space and our work to contribute to a net zero carbon Reading by 2030, as well as our exciting programme of shows for 2023.”
Steve and Sarah Boden, Imagine Theatre, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the Hexagon’s 45th anniversary as well as the opening of our latest pantomime production ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.
“We started working closely with Hexagon team when we produced our first pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ with them in 2010.
“This year, we celebrate our twelfth pantomime at the Hex, working alongside the same fantastic team of people who were here at the start.
“That’s one of the things that makes working at the Hexagon unique; very few venues are lucky enough to have the continuity of such a long-serving, strong and dedicated core staff who really care about the products on their stages.
“They care enormously, not just about the audience experience but also the artist experience for those who visit the venue to perform.”
He said that this is: “what makes a partnership strong, particularly when creating a show that frequently gives so many people, regardless of their age, their first introduction to live theatre both on stage and off.”
“The example set by the team at the Hexagon along with the support from Reading Borough Council will ensure that performance in Reading is in safe hands for generations to come.”
