Paul Riddell elected Chairman of Chesil Theatre, Winchester

Chesil Theatre is pleased to announce the election of Paul Riddell as its new Chairman, succeeding Stephanie Danby following her impactful three-year tenure.

Paul has been a member of Chesil Theatre since 1987 performing in a wide range of productions. He has also worked as a director and contributed to the theatre’s marketing and development.

Reflecting on his new appointment, Paul shared: “I’ve always valued Chesil Theatre as a vibrant creative home. I deeply appreciate the vital role this community plays. As Chairman, I’m committed to a collaborative and transparent approach, grounded in the values that make Chesil Theatre special: artistic excellence, community engagement and inclusive opportunity, in a welcoming and friendly environment.”

Paul also paid tribute to outgoing Chairman Stephanie Danby:"On behalf of everyone at Chesil Theatre, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Stephanie for her extraordinary contribution. Her enthusiasm, skill, and talent have transformed so many aspects of our operations. Most notably, she has driven forward our plans to develop a new theatre and launched our fundraising efforts with tireless energy and vision. Stephanie’s commitment and vision have left very big boots to fill, and I am grateful for the strong and steady foundation she has provided."

As Chesil Theatre enters this exciting new chapter, the organisation continues to grow as a hub of creativity, inclusion, and artistic excellence in Winchester. Plans are underway to transform its historic home on Chesil Street — occupied since 1966 — into a state-of-the-art, 21st-century community performance centre through an ambitious £2.1 million fundraising campaign.

The proposed extension will feature a modern foyer and bar, along with a flexible studio and community space, designed to be accessible to all. Support from the community is vital to preserving Chesil Theatre’s unique heritage while shaping its future as an inclusive, dynamic centre that will inspire and entertain generations to come.

Last week, the streetscape on Chesil Street took on a vibrant new look with the unveiling of decorative hoarding, featuring winning entries from an art competition held among pupils at Winnall and All Saints primary schools. Children were invited to share their vision of a “theatre of dreams,” and their imaginative artwork now brightens the site as demolition and preparation work begins. The event was generously supported by a grant from The Arts Society Winchester, and judges faced a tough challenge selecting just two winners from a wealth of creative submissions.
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Chesil Theatre’s transformation is well underway, and under Paul Riddell’s leadership, the organisation is poised to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Winchester’s cultural life.