Press Contact: Natalie Thomas
October 2025
Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) recently opened its main stage to the local community for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to support local talent and creative groups, while also inviting others for a sneak peek behind the curtain. While the Lyric stage was vacant due to the cancellation of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale by the show’s producer, the space was offered to local groups for a unique opportunity to perform on a professional stage. After a callout for applications on TRP’s social channels, the theatre received hundreds of nominations for a diverse mix of more than 40 organisations, with three ultimately being chosen.
Better Futures Band, The Jamm Inn Community Music Group and Marine Academy Primary were invited to the theatre to perform on Friday 10 October, each bringing something different to the space and gaining valuable experience of what it’s like to perform on a main stage.
Earlier in the week, the theatre also welcomed 120 Year 7 pupils from Millbay Academy for a behind-the-scenes look at the auditorium, exploring careers at TRP including lighting, sound and pyrotechnics, stage management and costume design. The theatre’s Young Company and Artist Development Programme also got the chance to explore and rehearse on stage.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, TRP’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director, said: “It was immensely disappointing when The Lord of The Rings was cancelled by the producers and we were left with an empty main auditorium for three weeks while the show should have been setting up, rehearsing and running. With little time to plan, we have used the dark period to train staff, deep clean the auditorium, and open our doors to the people of Plymouth for them to explore behind the scenes or take to a professional stage and enjoy a truly unique experience.
“It was wonderful, that we were able to salvage some good and turn an upsetting situation into a positive and bring joy to our neighbouring community.”
Charlie Thorning-Curtis, Better Futures Band: “We went away feeling like stars! I fully anticipate the band members talking about this for years to come. It was a brilliant idea to open up the space for groups to utilise and enjoy.”
Jade Ward, Jamm Inn Community Music Group, The Village Hub, said: “We thank Theatre Royal Plymouth from the bottom of our hearts. We had the best time. Some of us had never been to the theatre before and it was an honour and privilege to stand on the stage, sing and play music together.
“It’s opportunities like this that keep the magic of community groups alive.”