Performance venue that's 'punched above its weight' is back after four-year closure

The Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock, attached to William Brookes School, was forced to close before the pandemic, but following new management, had a soft opening last September and last month was fully reopened to the community.

And the volunteers that run the venue have said it is proving a huge hit, not just with the locals but also from some big name stars.

Sam Hughes, assistant manager at the Edge, said the venue is looking forward to a programme of big names not normally seen in such small performance centres.

“We have experienced an incredible revival since we reopened last September,” he said. “I started volunteering around Christmas time, part time, and it has gone from strength to strength.

“It used to always attract big names as it used to be an international a jazz venue, so before the closure we had loads of great comedians.

“In the past the Edge has hosted, Jack Dee, Mark Watson, Alan Carr and Zoe Lyons, just to name a few. For just a small town venue the Edge has punched well above its weight."

But he said no one was expecting the venue to bounce back so quickly, which he says is due to William Brookes' Business Manager, Peter Neale, who taken on the role of volunteer manager.

“The school is great. The venue aims to break even but they often help out with things sich as if we need new lights, as we couldn't afford it.

“Peter has been instrumental in revitalising The Edge. His commitment to offering a diverse programme of events is hoping to attract some of the top names in comedy, theatre, and music.”

Peter said: "It is a 240-seat theatre and a 98 seat studio and a 90-seat cinema so it is a wonderful facility for the public that was sadly closed for too long."

Sam said that their line-up of acts to perform at the 180-seat venue coming up include future jazz superstar Sultan Stevenson, singer-songwriter Flo Perlin, Mike Peters from the Alarm as well as 80s superstar Paul Young.

“We also have a brand new comedy club and are hosting cinema nights that local people really love. We have to turn people away sometimes as they get really popular," he said. “The people of Much Wenlock were devastated when we closed so have been really supportive to see us back.

“The Edge has the local community at the heart of all its decisions and operations. A dedicated group of volunteers assist with daily operations, suggest cinema nights and help promote the venue further afield."

For information on future performance, or for people keen on volunteering, more information can be found at: edgeartscentre.com