New Venture Theatre

Founded in 1947, New Venture Theatre for ten years was nomadic, performing in a wide variety of halls and theatres. In 1956, it took a lease on the first floor of Christchurch Schoolrooms, Bedford Place, when its 100-seater proscenium arch theatre was built.

In 1983 the trustees of the company decided to buy the freehold of the premises and added an 80-seater studio theatre on the ground floor. In the autumn of 1999, the third main space in the building, the South Hall was refurbished. Apart from being a more inviting place for members and audiences to meet and enjoy drinks from the bar, the new South Hall is also used as a cabaret-type venue.

NVT is a community theatre, committed not only to achieving the highest standards on stage, but also to cultivating original work.