Arena Theatre: where the shows must go on

Craving culture, a platform or simply a snack for lunch? The University’s Arena Theatre is nestled in the heart of our City Campus, in the Wulfruna Building, so as a student or visitor to the city you can easily drop in to sample a packed programme offering exhilarating live performances and opportunities to showcase your own talent.

The stage is set

Arena Theatre is the little venue with big ideas. Each new season brings some of the most exciting, intriguing and crowd-pleasing shows that Wolverhampton and the region has to offer.

From theatre, comedy and spoken word performance to live dance, music and poetry, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s an old favourite given a fresh twist or a slice of experimental art unfolding on the stage, you’re in for a treat. Curtain up!

Catch a Monday movie

Following its introduction in 2018, when Monday nights became ‘movie night’, the Arena Film Theatre has proved a popular addition to the venue’s line-up. Look out for listings to find out which big-hitting award-winners, family faves and certified cinematic classics are coming soon to the Arena’s big screen.

Word up

Have a story to tell? P.A.S.T.A (Poets and Storytellers Assemble), brought to you by Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists, is a celebration of the written and spoken word. If you’d like to take to the stage to debut a piece of work, sign up with the host when you arrive – or, if participation isn’t your thing, simply relax and enjoy an evening of new writing.

Stock?

New for Autumn 2019: the Arena presents a Spoken Word season, packed with some of the best poets in the business. Tickets are just £10 – keep an eye on social media for announcements of acts closer to each performance date.

Space to create

Creative collaboration continues apace as part of the Arena Collaborative Theatremakers (ACT) initiative. Now in its fourth year, ACT gives emerging artists a safe, creative space to develop their own work with support from industry professionals. Each evening will feature a 'work in progress' and a featured piece from an invited performer.

You may be interested to hear that graduates have been involved in work that has gone on to eventually be commissioned. To get involved, come along to the next ACT meeting at the Arena’s Tilstone Studio or email: neil.reading@wlv.ac.uk.

Something to sing about

Warm up those vocal cords or, if singing isn’t your thing, get ready for some sweet music. No Amps No Chat No Charge, in partnership with our friends at Cellar Rooms Rehearsal Studios, brings some of the Midlands' finest singer songwriters and acoustic performers together for an intimate night of music. Enjoy the best the region has to offer one Wednesday per month for free – look out for upcoming line-up announcements.

Learning the ropes

In partnership with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Arena presents Youth Theatre. On Monday evenings over six terms per school year, young performers collaborate with professional actors to improve their acting skills, performing two shows a term, with the overall aim of working towards a community production at the Grand Theatre.

Youth Theatre Members fall into two categories: Juniors (ages 9-13) and Seniors (ages 14-18). To find out more, including prices and to book, call the Grand Theatre Box Office on: 01902 429 212.

A bar for a brew

Looking for somewhere chilled to grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or a refreshing G+T? Launched in late 2018 and open Monday to Saturday from 10am (with alcoholic drinks served from 5pm), the Arena’s foyer bar and café is the perfect place to unwind with friends before a show or in between lectures. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our listings for details of our next Theatre Supper events – bagging you a ticket plus pre-show meal and drink for just £10!

With an ever-evolving offer and the new autumn/winter programme just around the corner, Arena Theatre is a more exciting prospect for students and visitors than ever before.  Remember, too, that current students and alumni can enjoy discounted tickets for cinema screenings and selected performances – get in touch with the Box Office to find out more.

Keep in touch via Facebook and Twitter and check the website to find out what’s on.