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Arts and Theatres

There are several high quality arts venues in Basingstoke, catering for all appetites and tastes - from classical music and comedy to West End plays and modern dance.

Central Studio

Based at the Queen Mary's College campus, this performing arts centre offers a varied programme of theatre, music, film and dance.

Facilities include a 130 seat auditorium, dance studio, four music rooms, and a state-of-the-art recording studio which is available for hire.

Proteus Theatre Company

Based at Queen Mary's College, Proteus Theatre Company is now firmly established as one of the leading touring theatre companies in the South. The company produces a diverse range of touring and participatory work throughout the borough.
Each year Proteus offers a winter tour and a spring tour. These are usually aimed at a family audience and may be seen at schools, community centres, art centres and village halls throughout the borough.

The Anvil

With some of the finest acoustics in the country, The Anvil has firmly established itself as one of the South's leading venues for high quality live music.

Located in Basingstoke town centre this prestigious concert hall offers a varied programme of classical, jazz, country, folk and popular music that has attracted, inspired and delighted audiences from far and wide. It is also a popular comedy venue.

Orchestral music is the flagship function of The Anvil, specialising in big name soloists, conductors and composers. Such is The Anvil's reputation, that even the lesser-known performers are popular among a highly discerning local audience.

The Haymarket

Reopened in autumn 2007 after significant refurbishment, including the creation of 'The Exchange' performance space in the lower bar area, the Haymarket Theatre is now under the management of the Anvil Trust.

Arts and Crafts

Basingstoke and Deane is home to a vast collection of public art. Since 1989 the Borough Council has followed a Percent for Art policy, encouraging developers to include art and craft in new developments and improvement schemes. This has resulted in a vibrant range of public art that is unique to the Borough. For more information visit the official Basingstoke & Dean Website.

Fairfields Arts Centre

Based at the Top of Town, this small arts centre is Basingstoke's art gallery. Exhibitions range from local to international, including work from internationally reknowned artists such as Damien Hurst and Tracey Emin, and leading 20th century German printmaker, Kathe Kollwitz. Fairfields Gallery attracts people from across Hampshire and beyond.

A busy programme of some 40 arts activities a week operates at Fairfields. There are various classes and workshops - printmaking, life-drawing, oil painting and digital art. Dance classes are also popular including Indian, ballet, salsa and contemporary dance. The Centre also has a varied programme of events.

The Making

Contemporary art, craft and design.

The Making organise a variety of art, craft and design events - from family workshops, community arts, and festival activities to professional development for artists and makers in the south east.

Viables Crafts Centre

The centre, which has been established on an old Victorian farm site for almost three decades, provides a unique focus for crafts and services in Basingstoke and North East Hampshire.

The farm buildings have been converted into workshops permanently occupied by individual craft specialists. The site also includes a miniature steam railway, model racing car circuit, restaurant and community facilities. The centre is set in four acres and is a living reminder of the area's rural past.

An expanding programme of craft workshops for both adults and children is run throughout the year.

With a varied programme of theatre, drama and dance, there have never been more opportunities for great nights out in Basingstoke!
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