Leo Capernaros Advocates for Town's Need for a Theatre

The Crown Wharf Theatre in Stone, Staffordshire opened after a seven-year wait, with its inaugural performance taking place on Friday evening. The venue's development faced multiple delays, including pandemic-related setbacks, cost-of-living challenges, and planning issues. Trustee Leo Capernaros expressed his excitement about the opening, stating it provides the community with an essential space for togetherness and enjoyment. The theatre's first performance features an adaptation of 'Shakespeare in Love,' a choice that mirrors the struggles the theatre faced during its construction. Capernaros, who is also acting in the play, highlighted the hard work and commitment of the team in transforming the building into a performing arts venue. He emphasized the unique experience of performing in a space that they have worked on for years. Community support played a crucial role in the theatre's realization, as the land was donated by the local brewery Joule's and around £800,000 was raised by community efforts. As of Thursday prior to the opening, ticket sales indicated strong interest, with nearly all initial tickets sold. The production of 'Shakespeare in Love' will run until November 16, showcasing the theatre's commitment to providing an artistic outlet for the Stone community. The culmination of local dedication and resilience through difficult times marks the opening of the Crown Wharf Theatre, aiming to enhance cultural engagement in the area and create lasting memories for its visitors.