THE former Portway Methodist Church on Alexandra Road officially opened last month as a performance space by Wise Children, an internationally acclaimed touring theatre company.
The building, which was built in 1910, is called Lucky Chance. The team have spent a year refurbishing it into a temporary 60-seat venue to workshop new ideas, rehearse shows and deliver The School for Wise Children, for emerging artists over 18-years-old.
To mark its opening last month, residents of Alexandra Road, schools and community groups visited the space to watch a performance entitled The Little Matchgirl and Happier Tales directed by the company’s artistic director Emma Rice, who has experience within the arts industry including running Shakespeare’s Globe in London for 20 years.
Giving a presentation about Wise Children at a full Frome Town Council meeting last month, Emma said, “We are a touring company, we tour nationally, internationally and locally but I wanted a home. I live in Frome and this town is amazing, it is the heart and soul and independent spirit that chimes so strongly with who I am and what I want to do.”
With plans to expand the venue to 120 seats, cllr Mel Usher asked whether there would be an impact on parking for residents of Alexandra Road.
Emma said, “Parking is an issue but we have got the little car park and in the evenings, Garston Vets. In all our communications with people, we make sure they are not parking on Alexandra Road because that would make us very unpopular, which is the last thing we want to do.
“Miró once said ‘to be truly universal, you have to be truly local’ and that is what we are doing.”
Cllr Tracey Ashford thanked Emma and Wise Children for their collaborative and considerate approach to moving into The Lucky Chance. She noted their positive interaction with neighbours and their work with schools, charities and community groups, showing a commitment to accessibility and widening participation.
