On Sunday 5 December we opened the doors at The Horton for our first ever performance. The Denman Street Quartet got us all in the festive spirit, playing everything from I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
Hosting our first audience since we began the renovation of the semi-derelict building six years ago was a big moment for the project team and volunteers. A lot of hard work and dedication has gone into getting to this point and we would like to thank everyone involved.
The pilot performances give us the opportunity to test our spaces and processes before we fully open in 2022. Volunteers put their training into action to scan tickets, serve refreshments and help audiences find their way around the venue, we wouldn’t have been able to host the event without them.
We were delighted to be able to programme a local quartet for the inaugural event. The Denman Street Quartet filled the performance space with beautiful classical music for the first time this millennium.
Our thanks also go to our first audience. We welcomed 120 visitors through the doors – the most people at any one time in the restored building to date.
“What a fabulous venue! Great spaces steeped in local history and all just a short walk from home. We really enjoyed the concert and look forward to many more high quality performances. Thank you.”
Audience member Gill Glasspool
The season of performances continues in December with the festive family show The Elf Factory from Epsom-based circus theatre company Hikapee, running from 19-29 December.