Curtain goes up on arts centre

7:41am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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THE curtain will go up at Didcot's long-awaited arts centre Cornerstone on August 29, the district council has revealed.

And it announced the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will headline the opening night celebrations, performing rock 'n' roll hits, punk, jazz and classical tunes.

The eight-strong group have performed at sell-out concerts across the world, collaborating with bands including Madness and Kaiser Chiefs. They've also made numerous appearances on national TV and radio programmes.

The £7.4m venue is almost complete and, backstage, council managers have already scheduled a full programme of events for the autumn season.

Arts centre manager Emma Dolman said: "We are delighted to have attracted such a famous, fun and inspirational act to perform on our opening night.

"The orchestra will be the first of many top-class acts to grace the stage at this brilliant new arts venue, which will offer a fun, inspiring and professional environment for local people to enjoy a wide variety of creative and cultural activities."

On Saturday 30 and Sunday 31, the launch festival will continue with a specially commissioned outdoor theatre performance, telling the story of Didcot's past, present and future among other highlights.

The centre at the junction of Orchard Street and Station Road has been designed by architects Ellis Williams, creators of the renowned Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.

It includes a 278-seat auditorium for drama, music, dance and comedy, exhibition spaces, a cafe, bar and restaurant.

Window walls, which face out to the street, will provide exhibition space for work created by community groups, artists and schools.

An 'Everyday Jewels' display chest will showcase archaeological items excavated from the power station site and other more modern items, whilst perforated panels, the brainchild of former St Birinus School pupil Ian Caswell, have been incorporated to give the building a three-dimensional effect.

When all the work is completed, the centre will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, bringing 40 jobs to the town.

District councillor Bill Service, cabinet member for leisure, said: "Local people will have seen Cornerstone taking shape over recent months with its contemporary design and colourful cladding.

"The council is so proud of the building and what it will mean for Didcot. It's nearly ready, but for me the building won't quite be complete until it is full of people enjoying the facilities."

Tickets for the opening night cost £17.50 and are available from the Cornerstone box office in advance only on 01491 823823.