Platinum Performing Arts has completed a bright new revamp of the Edmonton theatre

The launch event for the newly refurbished Millfield Theatre in Edmonton (credit Natalie Gee)

Millfield Theatre has officially reopened following a major refurbishment – marking the beginning of a “bold new era” under the management of Platinum Performing Arts.

At a glitzy event attended by young people involved with the arts group alongside Enfield mayor Margaret Greer and other VIPs, the completion of the Edmonton theatre’s bright new revamp was celebrated with a number of special performances.

The relaunch of Millfield comes two years after a long-term lease of the arts complex in Silver Street, which also includes Millfield House, was agreed between Enfield Council and Platinum two years ago.

Millfield Arts Centre had previously struggled under the leadership of the council, losing £600,000 every year, but has been rejuvenated since being transferred to the grassroots arts group, which has invested in the facility at a time when venues across the country are facing closure.

The reopening event on Friday (6th) marks the completion of the first phase of the theatre’s transformation. The evening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Broadway and West End star Marisha Wallace, officially welcoming audiences back to the “home of entertainment in North London”.

The improvements have included re-upholstered auditorium seating, new carpets, refreshed backstage areas, upgraded front of house spaces and upgraded lighting, all delivered within just four weeks to avoid a prolonged closure of the auditorium.

A bright teal colour theme now runs through the theatre and a new ‘Wall of Fame’ honours the many stars who have graced Millfield’s stage over the decades, alongside West End performers and industry professionals who began their journeys through Platinum.

Friday’s event brought together community leaders, industry professionals, and artists “whose journeys reflect both the theatre’s legacy and its renewed ambition”.

Guests arrived along Millfield’s signature teal carpet, setting the tone for a night of celebration.

Audiences were treated to a powerful live performance by Platinum Performing Arts called Power 2 Make A Change, showcasing the “exceptional talent nurtured through Platinum’s school, college, and grassroots community programmes and reinforcing the theatre’s commitment to cultural enrichment and youth voice”.

Nina Lewis, founder of Platinum Performing Arts, said: “Millfield Theatre is now both a performance venue and an education hub, a home for qualifications, workshops, and creative pathways that take young people and young adults from community access through to real professional opportunity.

“This journey has only been possible because people believed in Platinum’s vision. We have the power to make a change.”

Platinum is now planning to present an “exciting programme of professional productions”, welcoming high-quality theatre, live music, dance, and touring shows back to the stage.

Alongside community and youth-led work, the theatre will host “spectacular professional performances, inviting audiences to support their local theatre and enjoy inspiring, affordable cultural experiences in the heart of North London”.

For more information about Millfield Theatre and to browse the latest event listings:
Visit millfieldtheatre.co.uk

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