Will we be getting big name shows at the new theatre when it opens or will we still have to go to Wolverhamton etc to see them.

Interesting question! The theatre was originally going to take twice the capacity and would therefore have been on a par with other theatres like Wolverhampton, Birmingham. It seems to be costing twice as much to build than the original estimates though a lot of that is due to the constraints and problems of the site which also mean't it could not be as big.

Basically we could have had a 1200 capacity theatre and a theatre that included semi underground and ground floor parking useful for the town as well as theatre patrons and all at a reduced cost to the present mish mash of a building if the Gay Meadow had remained the site of choice. :(

It remains to be seen who we can attract but I hope that it will be less 'Terry & June' and more contemporary shows. :)

I think its great that Shrewsbury actually will have a theatre its a bonus, surely I'm sure the promoters will do a great job in getting an equal balance of entertainment and equally I think actors will take pleasure in performing in such a lovely town.

I do think we need a thriving arts scene in Shrewsbury but I worry that without going very downmarket it will struggle for numbers, and maybe even then. I am not sure there is enough depth to the arts scene within a reasonable catchment area, though I know reputations can be won if you try hard and long enough.

The site is a bit obvious though the building looks sound, but I think the new unitary Council needs to budget to prop up the running costs on a permanent basis.