Cheltenham-born actor Josh O’Connor has officially opened the Everyman Theatre’s new £1m education centre in his home town. The building on Winchcombe Street is meant to give everyone access to the performing arts.
A building with history
The centre sits in a former community venue. The Axiom arts centre on the same street closed in 2000 after concerns were raised about the way it was run. Several attempts were made to revive it before the borough council sold the building in 2005.
Why it matters to him
O’Connor attended Everyman’s youth theatre as a child. He said: “It’s an incredible gift to be able to learn to do drama.”
He described the old Axiom as an amazing space for learning arts and crafts, and said its closure left a big hole in the community. He also said there is a shortage of community spaces.
A young member’s story
Charis, 17, from Cheltenham, started at the youth theatre aged seven and hopes to study musical theatre at university. She said the theatre had changed her life for the better. She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at nine, and said the youth theatre gave her a big escape.
What happens next
The Everyman plans to add more choirs, as well as dance classes for older people and sessions for people with dementia.
O’Connor, a former Bristol Old Vic Theatre School student, has been reported as a contender for the next James Bond. He has said he is honoured by the speculation.
