Construction is now officially underway on Mayflower Theatre’s brand-new rehearsal studio space, marking a major milestone in our ongoing investment in regeneration for the next generation. This exciting development forms part of our mission to create inspiring experiences and nurture future talent through high-quality participation and performance opportunities.
The ground-breaking ceremony saw the Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Lorna Fielker, join Mayflower Chief Executive Michael Ockwell and representatives from our contractors GF Holding to celebrate the start of the build.
Following planning approval earlier this year, the project will deliver a purpose-built, double-height rehearsal studio alongside two fully accessible dressing rooms and a combined reception and stage door. Designed with sustainability and inclusivity at its core, the building will support Mayflower’s growing Participation and Education programmes while helping us move closer to our goal of Net Zero.
Artist impression of new rehearsal studio, stage door and reception at Mayflower Theatre.
Image from Mayflower Summer Youth Project 2024, Bugsy Malone.
© Stuart Martin Photography.
The new studio will provide much-needed space for Mayflower’s award-winning youth projects, which have welcomed over 210,000 young people from across the region over the past twelve years. Each summer, dozens of young performers take to our main stage – and now, with a dedicated rehearsal space on-site, those experiences can be even more enriching, accessible and professionally supported.
“We are delighted that construction on our new rehearsal studio has officially begun. This is more than just a building project – it’s a powerful step towards achieving our mission of inspiring experiences for all. This space will not only enhance our creative facilities, but also strengthen our ability to produce new work and provide accessible, high-quality opportunities for people of all ages.”
Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive, Mayflower
“We’ve marked a significant milestone in the continued cultural growth of our city. The ground-breaking of Mayflower Theatre’s extension reflects Southampton’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts, enhancing accessibility, and investing in spaces that inspire and engage our communities.”
Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council
“This development strengthens the future of Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios as two of the UK’s leading performance venues. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the arts community throughout this journey.”
Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive, Mayflower
Inclusivity has been a guiding principle for the design, with fully accessible dressing rooms and stage-level access ensuring that disabled performers enjoy equal backstage provision – a long-standing priority for the venue.
Beyond the creative and community benefits, the development also marks a major step in Mayflower’s sustainability journey. Designed to be a high-performing, energy-efficient building, the studio will deliver a 95% reduction in heating demand for ballet rehearsals, with infrastructure in place for future installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps, enabling the eventual removal of gas-fuelled heating across the theatre.
The new studio development will be delivered by contractors GF Holding, following a competitive tender process, and is expected to be completed within approximately 16 months. The entire project is being fully funded through Mayflower Theatre’s own reserves, demonstrating our long-term commitment to reinvestment, sustainability and providing world-class facilities for generations to come.
Messages of support
Ashley Banjo
“More accessible space, for artists of all shapes, sizes, and styles, will be incredible. Even more people can come together and create, especially in beautiful spaces.
I think the new opportunities for work is incredible.”
Kym Marsh
“Improving dressing rooms and backstage areas for people with disabilities, it’s always going to be huge. It means that it’s accessible for everybody and we can have more diversity on stage.”
Adam Strong
“I can’t tell you how much [the double height studio] will help visiting companies.
We always need a place to rehearse and it’s not always accessible to get to the stage due to other work going on in the building.”