Plymouth University has formally unveiled its award-winning performance space – The House – a venue with facilities to rival the best university theatre provision in the UK.
At a ceremony attended by cultural and community leaders from the South West and beyond, the new centre was officially opened by director and actress Thelma Holt.
The event featured a stunning contemporary dance performance by the Russell Maliphant Company, giving the audience a taste of the high calibre of performers set to grace its stage.
It also included presentations by university academics, with a range of undergraduate and postgraduate performing arts programmes being taught in the building, and the world-leading Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research calling it home.
Professor David Coslett, Interim Chief Executive of Plymouth University, said:
“This exciting new performance venue, featuring first-class teaching and research spaces, takes our commitment to the performing arts to a whole new level. In recent years, we have consistently invested in our campus to provide students, staff, our partners and the community with access to some of the most advanced facilities in the UK. The House shows we are continuing to do this. Building on our already significant successes, we are creating a future where all our students – in every discipline – have the support and setting they need to fuel ambition and exceed their highest expectations.”
Thelma Holt has worked with many of the UK’s leading actors, directors and producers during a career spanning more than 50 years, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts at Plymouth University in 2010. She added:
“Historically, there have been many launches of great purport from Plymouth. The House follows that very fine tradition, and I am beyond proud to be involved in this inspiring occasion.”
