Theatre Porto (formerly Action Transport Theatre) creates original, imaginative theatre, 'for, by and with' children and young people from our base in Ellesmere Port.
New website coming soon - sign-up to our newsletter here
On 10th August 2022, the doors of the new theatre and transformed cultural centre in Whitby Park, Ellesmere Port will open, after a £2.8M development, funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Arts Council England.
The new venue will be the only specialist, purpose-built theatre and cultural centre for children and young people in Cheshire and is one of a small number across England.
The company has been a producer of original theatre and wide-ranging youth and community work for over 35 years. Founded in 1986 as Action Transport Theatre, the company is proud of its origins, its track-record, and the impact it has had; transforming the lives of local children, young people, and wider communities.
» View our launch brochure (.pdf)?
The transformation of much-loved Whitby Hall is a big moment of change for us as an arts organisation and we are excited to tell you that we have changed our name to Theatre Porto in summer 2022.
Our new name has arisen out of many conversations over time, and more recently, based on creative work we have done with local children and young people around the values of place, play and child centeredness.
Have you received a golden VIP ticket?
For your free entry to a choice of events/productions please email: VIP@TheatrePorto.org
Our new state-of-the-art theatre designed by award winning architects Bennetts Associates, beautifully compliments historical Whitby Hall, and comprises:
- a 150 seat flexible auditorium for performances
- film screenings (including National Theatre Live)
- rehearsal spaces
- workshop rooms
- a café with an outdoor terrace
» Our transformation since 2019 - read more?
FREE opening events are running from 10th to 20th August. A special extravaganza weekend on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August will include outdoor shows, walk-about performances and special events alongside the 'Once Upon a Time...' art and adventure trail.
Theatre Porto, Whitby Park, Whitby Park, CH65 6QY
You can get free advance tickets now - click here.
Without your support we wouldn't be where we are today. As a small, dedicated team, we remain passionate about keeping our arts provision free for local young people. One of the easisest ways you can support us, is to donate via our latest Crowdfunder campaign where we are aiming to raise funds for our inclusive engagement programme.
Theatre Porto, Whitby Park,
Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 6QY
For general enquiries about our projects and programme, please contact info@TheatrePorto.org
If you are an artist or company interested in partnerships or bringing work to us contact programming@TheatrePorto.org
If you are interested in hiring our spaces as offices or for events/groups contact hires@TheatrePorto.org
If you are a school and are interested in working with us contact learning@TheatrePorto.org