Case Study: Westacre Theatre – Taking Centre Stage in Going Green

Tucked away in rural Norfolk, Westacre Theatre has quietly been making magic for over 35  years. What began as open-air performances in the grounds of a ruined priory has grown into a well-loved, fully-fledged community venue centred round a beautifully converted 100-year-old chapel.

Today, the theatre welcomes over 12,000  visitors a year across its two sites,  including more than 300 school pupils per week on a comprehensive education programme of youth drama workshops designed to inspire and encourage young actors. It’s a vibrant space rooted in creativity, learning, and connection.

Rising to the Challenge

Like many rural venues, Westacre Theatre has faced more than its fair share of challenges: geographic isolation, tight budgets, and the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic. For a time, the future felt uncertain. But with support from the Arts Council, a dedicated management team and around 40 volunteers, and a whole lot of community spirit, the theatre not only bounced back, it’s now thriving.

And it's doing so more sustainably than ever before.

Cutting Carbon, Not Comfort

One of the biggest challenges for the site was energy loss through the chapel’s lofty roof. Heating the building used to take up to three days! A real problem in cold months, especially when hosting large events like training sessions for Norfolk GPs or youth drama workshops.

Thanks to support from the WN Go Green Grant, Westacre Theatre recently completed a major insulation project. The results? “Astonishing,” they say.

 “What used to take days now takes an hour. The air-con works properly, the space is warm and comfortable, and our heating bills have dropped significantly.”

More importantly, the theatre can now host events year-round with confidence, without worrying about cost or environmental impact.

The Right Grant at the Right Time

The insulation work had been on the theatre’s wish list for years,  but like many rural charities, it was a matter of funding.

“The WN Go Green Grant came at the perfect time. It was the first grant we’d seen that focused specifically on environmental goals. It made a real difference.”

Although the team didn’t attend workshops in person, they received helpful advice and clear feedback online,  with a special mention for CAN’s Clare, who was praised for her friendly, down-to-earth support.

A Bigger Picture of Sustainability

The insulation project builds on Westacre Theatre’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. Past upgrades have included double glazing, two air source heat pumps, a 60 solar panels & battery back-up, with a feed-in agreement that has already earned the charity £2,000 from surplus electricity fed back to the grid.

​

And they’re not done yet. Plans are in motion for a new 250-seat performance space, supported by crowdfunding and grants,  including potential funding from the Government’s new Creative Foundation Fund.

“This is about improving the footprint of the whole site.  Not just for us, but for everyone who uses it.”

Investing in Young People

Westacre Theatre  isn’t just about performances, it’s about people. The team runs a bursary scheme each summer for drama students offering hands-on experience in acting and helping in a real working theatre .

“It’s one of the reasons we push so hard to improve and futureproof the space,” they say. “We want the next generation to have somewhere to grow, create and be inspired.”

Words of Advice

For other community buildings thinking about making energy improvements, their advice is simple:

“Do it - if you can get the funding. Especially solar panels if you’ve got a south-facing roof!”

They suggest having a clear goal, building a strong case, and going for it.

“The difference is dramatic.”

If you’re looking to make improvements to your community building but not sure where to start or what the best option is for you, contact us: office@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk