A celebration event to launch a new state-of-the-art theatre at Portland College featured performances from a West End star and Olivier Award winner.

Leanne Jones and young disabled people from Nottinghamshire took to the stage as Portland Charity’s vision to transform Newstart Hall from a tired 1950s recreation hall into a centre of excellence for health and wellbeing for people with disabilities was turned into reality.

Leanne is best known for her role as Tracy Turnblad in the West End production of the musical Hairspray. Portland resident and college ambassador Ryan McDade had invited his friend, Leanne, to perform at the event.

The opening of Newstart Theatre highlighted the benefits of accessible theatre spaces. The innovative project to transform Newstart Hall was made possible following a huge fundraising campaign, which generated £1.2m in donations and grants, matched by £500,000 investment from the college.

Newstart Theatre is now a hive of activities, events and education programmes for not only the college’s learners, but also local groups and wider communities.

Available for hire, the space can transform quickly from an accessible, ultra-modern theatre into a contemporary sports hall with retractable seating and LED floor lighting, enabling users to choose different sport layouts at the click of a button.

The college invited its supporters to the celebration event to see the theatre in action.

Hosted by Portland principal and chief executive Mark Dale, the event featured performances from the college’s performing arts learners; ex-college learner Jess Fisher, representing Inspire Youth Arts’ Able Orchestra; and Ryan, who duetted with musical theatre star Leanne.

Mark said: “The Newstart Theatre Celebration Event was the perfect way to thank our many generous supporters and showcase our vision for the new theatre. We were privileged to be able to welcome Leanne and are very proud of our young people, who delivered inspirational performances at the event. A wonderful time was had by all involved.”

Newstart Hall and Theatre is open for bookings during evenings and weekends for sport and performance groups, competitions, theatre or musical productions, dance or exercise groups, conferences, and more. For more information, contact the Newstart Programme coordinators on 01623 499111 or email [email protected]