The curtain rises on a new independent theatre, in what is swiftly becoming the cultural hub of Swindon.

The Shoebox Theatre is based in Theatre Square and is managed by the resident company, Wrong Shoes Theatre, with support from Artiste Ltd, the group of local artists from the Post Modern Art Gallery.

The idea behind Shoebox is to open a centre for contemporary theatre and actor training.

Luke Marquez, Artistic Director of Wrong Shoes, said: "We like to take risks with our work and needed a flexible and affordable space! We met with Artsite whilst working on a collaborative project and they offered us their gallery space. We will be working together to support new work and nurture local talent.”

Shoebox is an intimate theatre, seating 50 for shows, and the aim is to create a programme of contemporary productions of experimental works, arts and collaborations, including hiring out the studio space for rehearsals, exhibitions and small scale performances to artists and performers around Swindon.

“We want to support local artists and theatre makers as much as possible by providing affordable space and hope that the Shoebox will become a haven for experimentation and creativity!” said Luke. “We noticed people would have to leave the town to see more alternative theatre, often travelling to Oxford, Bristol or Bath, but now we have contemporary creative theatre right here in Swindon.''

Last year Wrong Shoes Theatre registered as a charity to provide people with original contemporary theatre both as performers and audience. As a curtain raiser for Shoebox, they have recently had four productions performed as part of Swindon Festival Fringe, The Quiet Zone, The Life We Lived, Banging Stuff and A Number.

Along with performances Shoebox offers training for adults of all abilities taught by professionals. Various masterclasses will be given throughout the year from visiting professionals in a variety of areas.

Luke said: "Our next masterclass is An Introduction to Puppetry and we run weekly courses for adults throughout the year ranging from A Theatre of Cruelty to Comedy and Improvisation.''

Other regular classes include adult beginners, one to one tuition, acting classes for advanced performers run by Acting Southwest and even Krump classes run by Swindon Street Dance Association.

“There is a lack of quality training in the town for adults and we wanted to address this with a varied programme for all abilities,'' said Luke.

The next production at Shoebox Theatre is An Account of a Savage, performed by Wrong Shoes as part of their Edinburgh Fringe 2016 project, following their highly successful sell out show The Anima Project in 2014.

For more details of Shoebox Theatre visit www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk - Flicky Harrison