who we are

The Barbican Theatre is a creative arts organisation situated in the historic Barbican area of Plymouth.

We produce new theatre and contemporary dance with young people as leaders.

We encourage our audiences and participants to visit us and take part in our promoted programme, events and celebrations in the venue.

The way in which we make our work responds to what our communities want from us,  there is a strong emphasis on inclusion and collaboration with non-arts partners.

We like to work in new and unusual environments encouraging people who would not normally attend theatre events to meet and enjoy it. 

The development of creative skills is at the heart of all our activity. We believe this increases the number of new people who can deliver high-quality creative and cultural activity in the region that is appropriate to the needs of our diverse communities.

Our mission statement is:

To offer as many people as possible, but especially the young, access to, participation in, and enjoyment of high quality artistic activity, without prejudice. This is practiced in the belief that such involvement cultivates, inspires and enthuses individuals and communities to explore and express needs and ideas, voice opinions, celebrate together and agitate to provoke social and cultural change.

History

The Barbican Theatre, Plymouth (originally Rent-a-Role Drama Service) was established in 1980 as a registered charity to investigate and practice the use of theatre for learning, therapy and recreation throughout the South West. In 1986 the company won a campaign to save the privately owned 'Serenade Arts' building. Re-named as the Barbican Theatre, the company ran the building developing an impressive arts education programme.

In 1998 and 2001, the company successfully completed two phases of radical refurbishment funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of England. The building now has a 140 fixed seat auditorium, a studio space and a cafe/bar with a second stage.

We are currently setting up an archive of previous work produced by groups based at the Barbican Theatre.