The Magic of Theatre comes to Kingsmead

Over the course of the past six months, a rather magical process has taken place at Kingsmead School. The dull and dowdy, traditional old school hall, with its block flooring, wooden chairs, squeaky stage and harsh, fluorescent lighting has been transformed into an exciting, modern theatre!

Designed by Tim Foster Associates, the new theatre makes Kingsmead the only school in Enfield with a 278-seat specialist venue in a plush, contemporary setting. It is complete with modern acoustic and audio-visual facilities, overhead lighting and projector, an elevated orchestra ‘pit’ and air-conditioning.

Kingsmead has long held a reputation for excellence in the performing arts, culminating in the school becoming a Specialist Performing and Visual Arts school in September 2006 and being awarded Artsmark Gold by the Arts Council of Great Britain in May 2007. Now, with this vibrant theatre venue the school has something else to take students’ opportunities even further.

All students will have the opportunity to appear in school concerts and productions to promote the work of gifted and talented students and raise achievement to even higher standards. In addition the school will also use the theatre as a lecture and conference facility, allowing the expert staff at Kingsmead to share their professional skills and experience with others.

Kingsmead School prides itself on bringing the arts and entertainments to the local community and for this reason the theatre will also be available for hire to outside groups. Any interested theatre group or company looking for a venue for their performance or business conference etc should contact Jill Bukin in the Lettings department at Enfield Civic Centre (jill.bukin@enfield.gov.uk, tel 0208 379 3393) or contact Mark Stillwell, Premises Manager at the school to make a visit.

The first whole school production to premiere at the theatre, will be the Winter Festival which takes place on December 4th and 6th; it is sure to be a memorable event!