SINCE Mary King started her own performing arts company in a quiet corner of Warwick it has inspired young people for a quarter of a century.

Set up in 1986 with husband Stewart McGill, Playbox Theatre has evolved to become one of the leading and most inclusive theatre groups in the country.

And now the couple, who live in Pebworth, are bringing their award-winning company to Chipping Campden.

“It’s a joy to be bringing a Playbox Theatre model to the Cotswolds, especially Chipping Campden, a town we both live near and have come to love,” said Mary.

“What we will offer when the new model opens in the spring is a participatory programme led by one of our top staff directors Owen Young.”

Since opening the company’s own theatre The Dream Factory in 1999, the directors have hoped to initiate a series of projects in the Cotswolds.

“We have been thinking for a few years of introducing a new structure for the company in this region,” said Mary.

“But Playbox Theatre Cotswolds is not a duplication of our other centres or models.

“It will enable youngsters across the region to explore a range of theatre techniques and approaches whether for future career aspirations or, very importantly, to help develop life skills and confidence.

“After a pilot in the town two years ago we feel we have identified a model and programme to offer young people in Chipping Campden, and the surrounding areas, which is tailored to their needs.”

Catering for ages three to 25, the theatre will develop a range of artistic skills and disciplines including film, radio and television acting as well as production and makeup.

Husband Stewart sees the new playbox as an opportunity for members to access the Dream Factory – an awardwinning building designed by Glenn Howells Architects and Quebec consultants Sceno- Plus. “Members can have access to The Dream Factory where our major productions, tours and special projects originate, unlike anywhere else in the country,” said Stewart. “For Chipping Campden we plan a programme to undertake acting techniques, voice, text, movement and allied forms.

“We also plan to make work for the town and wider Cotswold area, right now we are considering material and looking for potential partners to stage projects later this year. There is often low expectation at the prospect of artistic work made by young people. Nothing could be further from the truth and over the years at Playbox Theatre I have seen some of the most powerful, emotional, funny and exciting performances.”

Mary said: “All ages of young person are welcome at Playbox Theatre.

“We have a flourishing under 10s programme while teenagers have found the skills offered very important in their own lives.

“Living very near Chipping Campden is a big advantage in that both of us can monitor developments weekly and keep a very keen eye on talent emerging at the centre.

“We are thrilled to be at The Old Police Station and hope that Playbox Theatre will be welcomed by the town’s young people.”

The new Playbox is due to open on Wednesday, February 22, at The Old Police Station, High Street.

For further information, visit playboxtheatre.com.