£20,000 for new theatre

A pop-up theatre is to open for December in the main shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells.

The theatre will be called the "Little Vic".  It'll be built on the site of an empty retail unit in the Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre and will have 90 seats.

The Arts Centre of England has given a grant of £20,000 for the development.

The theatre's first show is called "Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star".

Both the "Little Vic" and show are a partnership between Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Assembly Hall Theatre, and Royal Victoria Place.

Cllr Justine Rutland, who is the Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said in a statement: “I could not be more delighted with this grant from the Arts Centre of England and the generosity of our sponsors and supporters.

“Creating the Little Vic theatre allows us to put on high-quality, original theatre in a retail location, and I think everyone will love it.

“The Council is committed to bringing new and innovative activities into RVP, creating attractions that will boost footfall and complement retail and hospitality businesses.”

"Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star" is due to open on Wednesday, 4^th December, and will run until Sunday, 29^th December.

Three specific British Sign Language shows will take place on Thursday, 19^th December.

The show is about a Fox and his friends—Squirrel, Deer, and Little Owl—stealing a golden star for their Christmas party.

Each show will run for 40 minutes and is a sequel to Little Owl and the Christmas Lights, which played at the Amelia Scott last year.

Tickets can be bought on the Royal Victoria Place and Assembly Hall Theatre websites.