Wondering what happened to the well-loved Hertford Theatre? Don’t panic, it’s not disappeared, but transformed into an exciting new multi-purpose arts and entertainment space for Hertford, called BEAM, open 23 August 2024.

Yes, it’s on the site of the county town’s former theatre, but it looks completely different. Part of Hertford’s Growth and Legacy Project to build a new community focused cultural hub for entertainment and arts, you can expect first-release films on not one, but three, cinema screens, a 547 seat theatre and smaller 151 seat studio theatre. Plus there’s a variety of accessible community spaces to work, socialise or just relax in, including the Riverside Café, which will serve pastries, cakes, craft beers, wine and soft drinks.

It’s dedicated to sustainability, too, in everything from serving locally sourced food and reducing single-use plastics in the café, to being a fully electric building and using only LED lighting. Nice work!

There’s already a packed schedule lined up for the season ahead and the year-round programme will bring the best of touring comedy, drama, music, and family performances to Hertford, whilst also showcasing local professional and community organisations.

So why BEAM, I hear you say? Well, you only have to picture a spotlight on stage, smiles on the audience’s faces, rays of inspiration and creativity and the power to transport you to somewhere magical and imaginary. Makes perfect sense when you think about it.