Our theatre
The Lights is a well-established and much-loved part of Andover’s cultural life with a strong reputation for professional and community programming across comedy, music, special interest shows, dance and community arts. It delivers 200+ events each year, works with local groups and schools, and has built strong audience loyalty over nearly two decades. Demand now outstrips the capability of the current building, which is why we are investing in a new venue that can scale the offer and deepen community impact.
The organisation benefits from engaged audiences, wide community reach, and a versatile programme. The next stage of its journey requires strategic leadership, creativity, and preparation for change.
Our new theatre project
The new theatre is a cornerstone of the Andover Masterplan, a multiyear regeneration programme that will reshape the town centre through the creation of new public spaces, shaped by feedback from local residents. Our ambition is for the new venue to act as both a cultural anchor and economic catalyst for the town centre.
Project Headlines
-
Opening: Planned 2028
-
Design: Developed with specialist theatre architects Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF), the new venue will blend Andover’s historic character with modern, inclusive design and technical excellence.
-
Purpose: A centrally-located, modern and flexible venue, delivering technically excellent facilities for both professional and community users, while recreating the intimacy of the existing theatre. The new venue will provide:
-
A state-of-the-art, multi-level auditorium with seating for over 400 people (a significant increase from the 249-seat capacity of the current theatre)
-
A second separate, flexible space for performances and events
-
Quality sound proofing and an enhanced design to allow the venue to run simultaneous events, with a full occupancy of nearly 1,000 people
-
Enhanced foyer, café/bar, and social spaces, including outside terraced spaces
-
Dance studios and meeting rooms available for public hire.
You will work closely with regeneration, design, cultural partners, education, and community networks to ensure the new theatre becomes a meaningful and sustainable asset for future generations.