Touring theatre
Having established in the planning phase that the local community could not support a self-production company, the project team decided to provide state-of-the-art facilities for touring theatre companies. These facilities will enable Riverbank to attract the best touring companies in the country for limited runs of all types of traditional and contemporary theatre including children's shows and pantomimes.
Cinema
The latest advances in digital technology, where movies can be selected and purchased online, will give the venue the flexibility to offer an incredible variety of cinematic experiences.
This will enable Riverbank to respond quickly and accurately to the wishes of its audiences and to keep the cost of unsold seats to an absolute minimum. Cinema-lovers will be able to see everything from mainstream films (including the latest 'blockbusters') to Oscar-winners, art-house cinema and children's programmes. |
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Live Popular Music
The enormous crowds that fill Marlborough for the International Jazz Weekend each July underline the demand for live, popular music in the area. The Jazz Weekend attracts top musicians year in, year out.
Riverbank will present almost every form of contemporary music so young people in the Kennet Valley will not always have to travel to Reading, Bristol and London to listen to the music they like.
Amateur Drama
In the course of the planning phase, the project team received many representations from local people keen to revive the camaraderie and esprit de corps of amateur dramatics. With excellent stageing facilities, our theatre complex is well placed to assist and promote such a revival.
Art
The foyer and studio will provide attractive spaces for touring and local exhibitions of art in all media. |
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Education and Theatre Workshops
There will be a continuing educational programme both within the venue and outreach activities aimed to create opportunities for people to participate in, enjoy and understand the arts.
Riverbank wants to be an educator and mentor to young people. A key part of this activity will be the development of media and theatre workshops. Through these workshops, it will be possible to learn from practising professional actors, some of the skills required to perform live drama.
Live Classical Music
The continuing popularity of subscription concerts at Marlborough College, many of them performed by world-class artistes, demonstrates that there is substantial demand in the area for an expanded programme of classical music.
Accordingly, the staging and acoustics of the main auditorium at Riverbank have been designed to make musical performances a satisfying experience for audiences and performers alike. |
