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The Acorn

3184

A small, independently-run arts venue, The Acorn is a 1969 conversion of a nineteenth century Wesleyan Methodist chapel.

Between 1996 and 1998 essential refurbishments and a redesign of the internal layout took place. The Acorn reopened as a flexible venue with a 170-seat main theatre accommodating a variety of stage formats and a smaller basement bar/theatre with an 80 seat capacity.

The building is not listed but lies within a conservation area.

Built / Converted
1969
Dates of use
  • 1969 - 1996: theatre/arts centre
  • 1998 : theatre, continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Arts Centre
Address
Parade Street, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4BU, England
Further details
Other names
Acorn Theatre , Acorn Arts Centre , Penzance Arts Centre
Events
  • Design/Construction: C19 as chapel (architect unknown)
  • 1969 Design/Construction: converted to arts centre (architect unknown)
  • 1969 - 1987 Owner/Management: Penzance Arts Centre
  • 1969 - 1996 Use: theatre/arts centre
  • 1987 Owner/Management: Cornwall Theatre Company Ltd, continuing
  • 1996 - 1998 Alteration: Lottery-funded refurbishment and re-design
  • 1998 Use: theatre, continuing
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    170
    Comment
    Main theatre in 2017
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    80
    Comment
    Basement theatre/bar in 2017
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -