New Season, New Energy, Same Phoenix Spirit

We’ve been busy.

Behind the scenes, on the stage, and in the heart of our community — The Phoenix has been buzzing with life, energy, and transformation. And now, with a new season underway, we’re excited to share a fresh chapter here on the blog — the first of many more to come.

So what’s been happening? Quite a lot, actually.

A Fresh Look & a Greener Future

In summer 2024, we temporarily closed our doors for a major refurbishment — not just to improve how the building looks, but to shape a more sustainable, accessible, and welcoming Phoenix for everyone.

We installed 32 solar panels with a storage capacity of 12.58 kWp, which now help power our heating, lighting, and performances — a change projected to save over 3 tonnes of CO₂ every year. It’s a meaningful step toward reducing our environmental impact and building a theatre that’s ready for the future.

There’s also been a full LED lighting upgrade, a resurfaced, fully accessible entrance, and the installation of a brand-new lift, opening up our upstairs spaces to all visitors. The result? A refreshed, more inclusive space we’re proud to call home.

A Growing Team with Big Ideas

Alongside the physical transformation, we’ve welcomed some fantastic new faces to the Phoenix family:

• Rachel Jackson, our brilliant Operations & Administration Manager
• Sally McIlhone, our creative Marketing Manager
• Amy Wheeler, Marketing Assistant and Rising Music Festival Director
• Louis Anderson, our new Apprentice Creative Venue Technician
• And Amy Reid-McCarroll our hardworking Housekeeper

Together with CEO Rob Allerston, this team brings new ideas, big ambition, and a shared passion for what The Phoenix stands for — a space where creativity, community and culture thrive.

Music, Theatre & Moments to Remember

We’ve continued doing what we love: hosting incredible events, supporting local artists, and bringing people together.

This year’s Rising Music Festival was one of our proudest moments yet — a huge success that brought over 60 unsigned acts and hundreds of new attendees through our doors. From packed-out gigs to chilled acoustic sessions, it was a real celebration of live music and local talent.

Beyond that, we’ve run hundreds of events for the community, from workshops and performances to youth programmes and cultural festivals. At every turn, we’ve seen just how vital spaces like ours are — not just for entertainment, but for connection, creativity, and shared experience.

None of This Happens Without You

The heartbeat of The Phoenix has always been the people. Our work is powered by an amazing team of dedicated volunteers, trustees, local partners, and the continued support of Arts Council England and other funders. Their belief in what we do helps us keep tickets affordable, spaces open, and the arts accessible to all.

And of course — there’s you, our incredible audience. Whether you’re here every week,  or just discovering us for the first time, you're part of the Phoenix family. Your applause, your energy, your generosity — it's what brings this building to life.

What’s Next?

With our doors wide open and the stage set, we’re looking ahead to an exciting new season — starting with the likes of Harriet Dyer, Atom Heart Floyd and The Diva Disco just to name a few. We’ve got new shows, new talent, and new ideas in the works — and we can’t wait to share them with you.

We’re thrilled to launch this new chapter on the blog, where we’ll be keeping you updated with behind-the-scenes news, artist spotlights, upcoming events, and more.

There’s so much to look forward to — and we’re just getting started.

See you soon,
— The Phoenix Team