Auditorium with blue seats and brown walls

About BEAM

BEAM is a creative arts and culture venue situated in the heart of Hertford town centre. Located on the site of the previous Hertford Theatre, BEAM continues the legacy of bringing high quality entertainment and arts to the town. Offering first-release films, a new, flexible studio theatre, community facilities, including a Changing Place and a variety of public spaces to work, socialise or just relax in.

“How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” - The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare.

What Makes us BEAM

BOLD - A place for imagination and creative energy.

KIND - A place for togetherness.

AWARE - A place for new ideas and growth.

Seeking out, producing and promoting relevant work of the highest possible quality. We present a range of shows and films which are programmed with the development of both artists and audiences firmly in mind. Sharing stories that matter.
Making this work available to all; delivering it with and for, our evolving community. We ensure safe access to the building and its activity to all those living in the district of East Herts and beyond. No one is excluded.
Championing creative engagement, participation and the value of social cohesion. Our learning and wellbeing offer spearheads the approach to this part of our programme. Listening is vital.
Recognising the need to balance creative endeavour with financial responsibility. We need to level up creatively; providing an opportunity for everyone to engage with a sustainable cultural offer for years to come. Creatively commercial.

Growth and Legacy

The Growth and Legacy Project was established to build on the success of Hertford Theatre, putting the performing arts and culture at the heart of the growing, local community, whilst enabling it to be self-sustaining.

Upgrading the previous single auditorium venue into a multi-purpose space including a 547 seat theatre (Stage One), 151 seat studio theatre (Stage Two), 3 cinema screens and a variety of community use spaces, the project has enabled us to provide an improved offer accessible to all.

Even though there has been a lot of change, a key part of the project was to maintain the heart and spirit of the cultural buildings that have come before it (a cinema first opened on this site in 1914), with a focus on being able to share this spirit with a wider audience.

Another key point of focus was around our approach to working more sustainably as a venue, including reducing the quantities of single use plastics used in the venue. We also made sure that the project itself included elements of sustainability such as ensuring that the building was fully electric, using LED lights and that all equipment used was sourced with sustainability being a key consideration.

We are also developing our creative community, supporting local education providers, community groups and local organisations in providing creative activities for a diverse range of people within our community.

Our Spaces

Stage One

543 Seats

Stage One is ideal for full scale productions, drama, dance, music and comedy as well as filming and technical rehearsals. Fully accessible, front and back of house.

Auditorium with red seats and brown walls

Stage Two

140 seats

Stage Two is our intimate performance space and provides the perfect venue for smaller productions and larger community events. Fully accessible. Flat flooring option also available.

Dance studio with mirror wall and light coming through the window

Social One

79 square metres

Located on the first floor and fully accessible, Social One provides a space to hire for both the community and professional organisations. The ideal space for local dance and drama schools, larger meetings, workshops, rehearsals and other community activities with stunning views over the river. Sprung flooring and mirrored walls.

Social Two

48 square metres

Located on the ground floor with wonderful views over the River Lea, this room has been designed with classes, meetings and family parties in mind. A fantastic space to inspire all ages and give many the opportunity to become involved in the building.

Screen One

81 Seats

Perfect for the full cinema experience. Located on the first floor and fully accessible.

Screen Two

65 Seats

Ideal for meetings and corporate events. Located on the first floor and fully accessible.

Screen Three

54 Seats

Great for birthday parties. Located on the first floor and fully accessible.

Bright bar with stools and floor to celling windows

Bars

2 Bars

We have two bars providing plenty of space for people to work, study, socialise or relax throughout the day. Fully licenced bar and a diverse food & drink menu.