Cheadle is unquestionably a hub of creativity, hosting numerous craft and arts groups that gather frequently, along with a month-long arts festival. The town also features events like the Carnival and Party in the Park, and at least two groups that produce regular performance-based entertainment. The contributions of our talented creatives enrich everyone, offering friendship, purpose, and enjoyment to many locals of all ages. However, there is a shortage of dedicated performance or gallery spaces for our artistic residents.

CATS (Cheadle Amateur Theatre Company), our award-winning* local theatre company, produces a wide variety of excellent entertainment, including an annual pantomime. U3A brings us everything from murder mysteries to ukulele performances. Other groups could also benefit from having a venue to perform or exhibit, but the limited space presents a challenge for them as well.
At present, our group rents space wherever available, which is expensive and may limit the feasibility or duration of events because of the associated costs.
For example, CATS requires 2 days for setting up scenery, a day for dress rehearsal, and a rehearsal with tech, totaling a minimum of 7 days on stage. Renting a venue for this duration is quite costly, but if they had their own theater, it could be shared with other creative arts if it were designed for multiple purposes. This would make the location self-sustaining and attract more visitors to the town, especially in the evenings. If we doubt the visitor attraction Cheadle can generate, we only need to consider the success of the Moon Project last year at St. Giles the Abbott, which drew thousands of visitors. Events like this encourage people to return or stay, boosting our local economy and benefiting town center businesses. Last year, CATS performed Romeo & Juliet at the Tean Road Rec. It was a wonderful performance but at risk from the elements, which, as we all know, are unpredictable at best.
In Cheadle, we have several underutilized or abandoned buildings that could serve as excellent spaces. To see what can be accomplished with an old space, we need only consider The Foxlowe Arts Centre in Leek. Initially built for a wealthy solicitor, the building later served as a Red Cross hospital and a trades and labor club before falling into disrepair. The Foxlowe Arts Centre was conceived by a group of local individuals who envisioned a vibrant center for diverse arts-related projects in the heart of Leek. A team of volunteers first cleared, cleaned, and decorated part of the Georgian building, preparing it for the inaugural Christmas Exhibition in December 2011, soon followed by the opening of the community café and a schedule of arts events.
The Foxlowe Arts Centre has continually expanded and now features cinema, a comedy club, music events, theatre productions, an exhibition gallery, documentary screenings, a talks program, an arts fair, room rentals, a heritage room, a venue for weddings and private events, fashion shows, school workshops, and a constantly evolving garden.
The Foxlowe has been a significant project over many years, driven by a group of committed and determined locals. Does Cheadle have a community willing to collaborate on a similar initiative? Share your thoughts in the comments below and add your name to the poll if you're somewhat interested in seeing how this might unfold. You can also write to COGNEWS and let our readers know what an Arts Centre would mean to you.
*2023 Best Drama from the National Operatic and Drama Association for staging "The Vicar of Dibley."
The Future of Cheadle: A Home for Arts and Culture? - last updated 15.1.25
Should Cheadle have an Arts Centre?
Yes
No
Comments