Fareham Live is helping to drive Fareham’s town centre regeneration while creating new opportunities for hundreds of local children, young people and community performers.

A report presented to Fareham Borough Council’s Leisure and Safer Communities Advisory Panel on 15 October highlights how, in just two short years, the venue is already strengthening the town’s leisure and cultural offer and supporting grassroots performers, schools and community organisations, helping to increase footfall and give people more reasons to visit and spend time in Fareham.

Between April and September 2026, the theatre provided a platform for local and regional organisations including Fareham Musical Society, Stagecoach, Upstage Theatre, Kim Ellen School of Dance and FunKidz.

A partnership with FunKidz involved 32 local primary schools and 300 children, culminating in three performances watched by more than 1,200 people. Hampshire Music Service also brought 132 young musicians from 31 primary schools to perform on a professional theatre stage.

The Summer Youth Project brought together 71 young performers aged eight to 18, alongside seven young people in its Technical Youth Theatre, for an intensive two-week rehearsal and performance programme.

Cllr Frair Burgess, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said: “Fareham Live was always intended to be much more than somewhere to come and see a show. It is an important part of our plans to regenerate the town centre, bringing people into Fareham and giving residents more reasons to spend time here.

“What is particularly exciting is what is happening at grassroots level. Local children are performing on a professional stage, young people are developing new skills and local groups are being given opportunities right here in Fareham. It is becoming a real part of our community and that is exactly what we want to see.”

The venue is also helping young people explore careers in the creative industries through work experience and technical training, while its creative programme provides paid opportunities for artists, educators and other creative professionals.

Its community work has also included supporting Fareham Pride and hosting the Two Colours Ukrainian Choir during Refugee Week, alongside activities aimed at widening participation.

Sheena Hulme, Theatre Director at Fareham Live, said: “We want Fareham Live to feel like the community’s theatre. Whether someone is performing on a professional stage for the first time, discovering a new career or showcasing local talent, it is about creating opportunities for people to get involved.

“We’re proud of the professional productions we bring to Fareham, but equally proud of the work happening at grassroots level.”

Looking ahead, Fareham Live plans to expand its community outreach through workshops, youth and schools activity, a community choir and projects with local partners, while continuing to support events and activities in Fareham town centre.