Chesil Theatre is pleased to announce the election of Paul Riddell as its new
Chairman, succeeding Stephanie Danby following her impactful three-year tenure.

​Paul has been a member of Chesil Theatre since 1987 performing in a wide range of productions. He has also worked as a director and contributed to the theatre’s marketing and development.

Reflecting on his new appointment, Paul shared: “I’ve always valued Chesil Theatre as a vibrant creative home. I deeply appreciate the vital role this community plays. As Chairman, I’m committed to a collaborative and transparent approach, grounded in the values that make Chesil Theatre special: artistic excellence, community engagement and inclusive opportunity, in a welcoming and friendly environment.”

Paul also paid tribute to outgoing Chairman Stephanie Danby:"On behalf of everyone at Chesil Theatre, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Stephanie for her extraordinary contribution. Her enthusiasm, skill, and talent have transformed so many aspects of our operations. Most notably, she has driven forward our plans to develop a new theatre and launched our fundraising efforts with tireless energy and vision. Stephanie’s commitment and vision have left very big boots to fill, and I am grateful for the strong and steady foundation she has provided."

As Chesil Theatre enters this exciting new chapter, the organisation continues to grow as a hub of creativity, inclusion, and artistic excellence in Winchester. Plans are underway to transform its historic home on Chesil Street — occupied since 1966 — into a state-of-the-art, 21st-century community performance centre through an ambitious £2.1 million fundraising campaign.

The proposed extension will feature a modern foyer and bar, along with a flexible studio and community space, designed to be accessible to all. Support from the community is vital to preserving Chesil Theatre’s unique heritage while shaping its future as an inclusive, dynamic centre that will inspire and entertain generations to come.

Last week, the streetscape on Chesil Street took on a vibrant new look with the unveiling of decorative hoarding, featuring winning entries from an art competition held among pupils at Winnall and All Saints primary schools. Children were invited to share their vision of a “theatre of dreams,” and their imaginative artwork now brightens the site as demolition and preparation work begins. The event was generously supported by a grant from The Arts Society Winchester, and judges faced a tough challenge selecting just two winners from a wealth of creative submissions.
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Chesil Theatre’s transformation is well underway, and under Paul Riddell’s leadership, the organisation is poised to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Winchester’s cultural life.
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We've started the first phase of the building of the New Chesil Theatre, with the demolition of the old coalyard house. As you can see, the house was in a sorry and dangerous state.

​Another judge, Sarah Hill from The Arts Society Winchester agreed that there were budding imaginative artists amongst the children’s depictions.

A prizegiving was held on Saturday 5th July when Chesil Theatre Vice-President Gerry Tuff presented £100 to each of the schools. The two winners were Stephanie Rita Hamilton, Year 5, of All Saints Primary School and Violet Scobell, Year 6, of Winnall Primary School. They both received free tickets to the next Chesil Youth Theatre production ,(including ice-cream!) plus a gift voucher for each pupil.

Organiser Lorraine Robinson from Chesil Theatre said:“ We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of the designs created by our local children. The hoardings will certainly be much brighter and more attractive thanks to their efforts. As a community theatre, we were so pleased to have this involvement from schools in our City Ward. We are grateful to The Arts Society for their involvement and The Arc in Jewry Street for creating a display of all the work in their foyer, running from Tuesday 7th July for at least a month and we hope throughout the school holidays.”

​​Chesil Theatre continues its fundraising campaign for the new extension. More information and how everyone can contribute can be found on newchesiltheatre.org.

NEWS RELEASE
Winchester, 11th March 2025
 
Chesil Theatre is set for an exciting future as plans for a new extension were announced at a special event for members and invited guests at the Chesil Street theatre. The fundraising campaign aims to support the development of a modern addition to the much-loved historic theatre.
 
For over 150 years, the Company has been a cornerstone of top-class entertainment in Winchester. Now, Chesil Theatre looks forward to a bright future with a new development next to its medieval Listed Building, which it has occupied since 1962. The planned scheme will feature a light-filled entrance and bar/foyer, studio and community space, improved accessibility facilities, and overall enhancements throughout the theatre. A major fundraising campaign is now underway, targeting £1.2m to complete the project.
 
Jo Matthews, with a successful history of fundraising for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and past Chairman of Little Theatre Guild, provided inspiration at the campaign launch. She commented:
“I am thrilled to be part of this transformative journey for the Chesil Theatre. The development will not only enhance the theatre’s historic charm but also create new opportunities for community engagement and artistic expression.”
 
Chairman Stephanie Danby said:
“Starting from spring 2025 onwards, we will begin changing the street scene in Chesil Street for the better. We look forward to the Winchester community – individuals, groups and businesses - joining us on this exciting journey. We’re grateful for the long-term encouragement and support from Winchester City Council and appreciate their grant  to kickstart our campaign.”
 
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement Cllr Kathleen Becker said:
“Chesil Theatre is a wonderful facility which offers so much to the local community. This fundraising launch is a very exciting moment for everyone involved with this historic space, as the planned improvements will ensure it moves forward into the future with new entrance and foyer areas and improved accessibility.