The next act for the Assembly Hall

Theatre Director Mikey Powell tells Eileen Leahy how the Assembly Hall is evolving its programme, broadening its audience and creating new opportunities for businesses, schools and community groups…

Mikey Powell took on the role of Theatre Director at the Assembly Hall in 2022, and he had a clear focus from day one. That was, he tells me, to curate “a vibrant and ambitious programme that appeals to a wide and diverse audience across all age groups.”

Since then, Mikey has certainly achieved that, but one of the key shifts has been reducing the venue’s reliance on smaller-scale tribute acts.

“Whilst they still have their place in the programme, there was a need to be bold and reintroduce large-scale, week-long musical theatre runs, alongside engaging new producers who have subsequently brought us original artists such as Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr,” he explains.

That forward-thinking approach has also seen drama return in a big way, with productions such as The Last Laugh, 2:22 A Ghost Story and Silence of the Lambs all treading the boards. Mikey adds that it has been incredibly encouraging to see those audiences growing.

Another exciting development has been the theatre’s ‘seats out’ events, which transform the venue into a standing space.

“These shows encourage dancing and create a more informal, high-energy atmosphere, reconnecting the space with its original roots as both a theatre and dance hall. We launched this strand with Shake It in collaboration with Tunbridge Wells-based Mint DJs, which was a huge success.”

Since then, the theatre has presented events including Disco for Grown Ups, My Soul Radio and Drag Bingo.

“Coming up this autumn, we have an 80s DJ night hosted by Martin Kemp, as well as a 70s disco and funk night with Brutus Gold’s Love Train.”

More recently, Mikey says he and his team have expanded further into performance art, presenting thought-provoking work such as Bryony Kimmings’ autobiographical piece Bog Witch.

“Ultimately, the aim is simple: we want to ensure there is genuinely something for everyone, while maintaining quality and artistic integrity at the heart of everything we do.”

The theatre is now looking to diversify even further by reaching out to schools, community groups and businesses. With the ability to host everything from conferences, gala nights, graduations and weddings to record fairs and training days, the venue offers a highly flexible space for organisations of all sizes.

Its professional technical facilities, overseen by an experienced team skilled at adapting the space and creating the right atmosphere, help elevate every event.

“These kinds of events are about breaking down barriers to the building,” explains Mikey. “Not everyone’s first experience of a theatre is through a performance, so by welcoming people in for business, education or creative events, we make the space more accessible and relevant to a wider community.

“Once inside, particularly for first-time visitors, it can often be surprising to discover the breadth and range of work we present here.”

Mikey tells me that the Assembly Hall is now offering businesses a range of sponsorship packages.

“This is driven by a desire to build deeper, more meaningful partnerships with businesses, while also supporting the long-term sustainability of the theatre.

“We already offer discounted hire rates to eligible groups and reduced ticket access through the Council’s Go Card scheme. However, as Council funding reduces, we need to diversify our income streams to continue providing these benefits.

“Sponsorship gives local and regional organisations the opportunity to support the arts, engage with new audiences and play a role in the future of the theatre and the wider community.”

In terms of interest from companies based in the local community, both Berry & Lamberts and Nuffield Health are set to be some of the theatre’s first Genre Partners.

For Mikey, ensuring the Assembly Hall remains a thriving cultural hub is deeply personal.

Having been born in Pembury Hospital, grown up in Sherwood and built his career at the venue, the theatre has been a constant throughout his life.

“I started here as a casual stage crew member before becoming an apprentice lighting technician, then Chief Electrician, Technical Manager and now Theatre Director.

“That journey has shaped everything I do. I have a deep passion for theatre and the arts, but equally important is my connection to this venue and the community it serves. It’s more than just a job to me – I genuinely care about its future, its success and the people who visit us.

“Whilst we continue to look after our loyal audiences, we must also bring new people into the building, giving them different ways to engage with the space and ultimately encouraging them to connect with live performance.

“It’s about building a sustainable future for the theatre while protecting the cultural offer that makes it such an important part of the community.”
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk