BPE and Barn Theatre take centre stage at Art of Theatre
BPE marked the return of their ‘Art Of’ event series with a special collaboration with the award-winning Barn Theatre, in Cirencester.
The eighth instalment of the series saw guests being welcomed to the iconic, independent theatre with canapés and drinks in the theatre’s neighbouring venue, Ingleside House. Compere and host for the evening was the theatre’s Artistic Director, Iwan Lewis, who delighted guests with the inspirational story of the theatre’s conception, achievements and future.
The story of the Barn Theatre started four years ago, however Iwan’s connection to Cirencester and the performing arts stems back to his early teens, where he was involved in grass-roots theatre companies and productions in the area over multiple summer holidays. This is when he first crossed path with the now founders and owners of the Barn Theatre, Ian and Chrissie Carling.
It wasn’t until Iwan’s epiphany about developing a professional theatre with the local community at its core that he came back into contact with Ian and Chrissie. The outcome was a £5.5million development project to convert the former Nissen Hut into the Barn Theatre.
After the presentation, guests were treated to a performance of The Butterfly Lion, adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s beloved book. The production is the first of five in-house Barn Theatre productions.
Head of Private Client at BPE Solicitors, Clare Young said: “The Barn Theatre perfectly embodies the concept behind our ‘Art Of’ events – celebrating innovative, inspirational, entrepreneurial and simply brilliant businesses and individuals. Having been keen supporters of the Barn Theatre since its launch, it is incredible to think at how far this theatre has progressed and evolved over such a short space of time. We are delighted to not only showcase it to our guests but also to continue to support it in the future.”
Previous ‘Art Of’ events have been held at Beards Jewellers, the Highgrove Estate, Crazy Eights (now Gin & Juice) at No.131, Hobbs House Bakery, Woodchester Vineyard, Gloucester Services and Aston Martin Cheltenham (H.R. Owen).
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