Aylesbury Waterside Theatre: A Modern Marvel
Opened on 12 October 2010 by the legendary Cilla Black, the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre was conceived as a replacement for the old Civic Centre Theatre. Designed by architect Norman Bragg of Aedas RHWL Arts Team, the theatre’s striking design draws inspiration from the undulating Chiltern Hills and the surrounding ancient woodlands. Its façade features 106 glulam beams, creating a “forest of fins” that support the glass frontage, making it a landmark in the town centre.
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The theatre’s interior is equally impressive, with a 1,200-seat auditorium that can be transformed into an 1,800-capacity hall. This versatility allows the venue to host a diverse range of performances, from West End musicals and touring plays to opera, ballet, and comedy shows. The auditorium is equipped with a CARMEN electroacoustic enhancement system, enabling acoustic adjustments tailored for various performances, ensuring an optimal auditory experience for audiences.
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Queens Park Arts Centre: Arts for All
Aylesbury’s Queens Park Arts Centre opened in 1980 and has been the hub, heart, and home of creativity and culture in Buckinghamshire for 45 years.
QPAC is the home of the famous Limelight Theatre, which opened in 1983. The intimate 120-seater space is a powerhouse of original productions thanks to its production company Unbound, but also has an extensive history in welcoming shows from world-renowned companies such as Theatre de Complicite, Hull Truck and Frantic Assembly. The Limelight’s year-round programme also includes plenty of live music and comedy.
QPAC also offers more than 100 different drop-in art classes every week, spanning pottery, painting, needlecraft, woodwork, music, drama, and dance. It also offers free-to-view exhibitions throughout the year and runs popular events such as the annual Artisan Craft Fair. www.queensparkarts.com
Unbound Theatre: Tell Great Stories
Unbound is Aylesbury’s own award-winning production company. They are based at QPAC and work across theatre, audio, and film. Since launching in 2014, the company has become the cornerstone of storytelling in Buckinghamshire and beyond, operating under the mission statement: ‘Tell Great Stories’
The company brings together actors, writers, directors, designers, technicians, and stage crew – both industry professionals and community volunteers. Together, they have delivered more than 200 different bespoke projects in just over a decade, performed both at QPAC and at venues, events, and festivals across the country.
Unbound’s work spans new writing, contemporary classics, Shakespeare, rehearsed readings, sketch comedy, improvisation, audio drama and comedy, musical theatre, pantomime, and more. www.unboundtheatre.co.uk