BEAM Hertford now open

Hertford's new theatre and three-screen cinema opened on Fruday (23rd August) following a three-year £30m redevelopment.

The new multi-purpose arts venue opened following a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Josh Dean, the newly-elected MP for Hertford and Stortford, and the theatre’s Cinderella Youth Ensemble.

Stakeholders and partners, including GPF Lewis, Bennetts Associates, Bristow Consulting, Trison UK and Everyone Active, who played critical roles in the execution of the development, as well as local and district councillors, were also present to celebrate the completion of the project.

Previously known as Hertford Theatre, the renamed BEAM features:

• Three bespoke cinema screens allowing screenings of newly released films 
• A main auditorium with seating for 547 
• A second theatre space with seating for 150 
• A new dance studio 
• A riverside café and an additional upstairs bar for cinema goers 
• A community room 
• Improved access to all areas of the building, including backstage areas and dressing rooms

The venue's varied creative programme will blend the best of touring comedy, drama, music, and family performances while also showcasing local professional and community organisations.

Cllr Ben Crystall, Leader of East Herts District Council, said, "It's tremendous to see so many of the council's partners attend the opening of BEAM, a venue which promises to serve our district community for generations to come."

"Much effort has been made by each party involved in the delivery of BEAM. As such, the facilities, the programme, and the new team working to invigorate this iconic venue certainly deserve the spotlight this bank holiday weekend. Like Castle Cinema, Castle Hall and Hertford Theatre before it, I look forward to BEAM becoming a cultural landmark at the heart of East Herts."

Cllr Bob Deering, leader of the council's Conservative group, said: "The newly revamped theatre will be a fantastic facility for every resident of the district.

"This is a project that was initiated several years ago by the previous Conservative administration. It then took many years of hard work, so I hope it's not inappropriate that I take this moment to acknowledge this achievement and in particular the huge effort dedicated to the project by the then-leader of the council, Linda Haysey, and all the executive members, including Cllrs Geoff Williamson and Eric Buckmaster, who invested so much time and effort moving the project forward.

"There is no question that we would not now be enjoying the prospect of a new theatre for East Herts had it not been for their drive and commitment."

The site has been used for entertainment for over 110 years - the Castle Cinema opening on the site on 14th August 1914.

Castle Hall opened in 1977 and underwent a £1 overhaul in 2010 befiore being renamed Hertford Theatre.

A second auditorium, to be known as Stage Two, seats 151 and will open in the new year.