Melton Theatre vows ‘all 2026 shows will go ahead’ amid sale talks

Melton Theatre has said all 2026 shows will go ahead despite plans by Loughborough College Group to sell off the site.

The Theatre have been announcing new shows and advertising current ones for sale and said the best way to show support for the theatre is to buy tickets.

They said: "We are up for sale, that doesn't mean we are closing. All 2026 shows will happen."

It comes after Loughborough College Group announced plans to sell off the Asfordby Road site including Melton Theatre and Melton Library. The college group said it had inherited historic financial liabilities following its merger with SMB College Group, which led to the decision.

On Wednesday the Theatre held a relaxed performance in partnership with Trio Entertainment of their current pantomime for students and staff from Melton's Birchwood School.

A spokesperson for Trio Entertainment said: "We had the absolute pleasure of bringing pantomime magic to Birchwood School with a relaxed performance at Melton Theatre, and what a joy it was! Laughter, excitement and smiles exactly what pantomime is all about.

We’re so proud to be able to open the theatre doors and make live theatre accessible for every child to enjoy.

Staff and students from Birchwood enjoying the relaxed performance. Photo: Melton Theatre/Trio Entertainment

Huge love and thanks to our incredible cast, the amazing front of house volunteers, and everyone who helped make today happen.

It truly takes a team.

At Trio Entertainment, supporting our local community isn’t an extra, it’s the heart of what we do."

A statement from Melton Theatre added: "We love that we can do this for the whole school to enjoy pantomime. Big thanks to Trio Entertainment and the cast. And a big up to all of our front of house volunteers as well!! Brilliant brilliant brilliant!!!! Supporting the community’cos that’s what we do! Save Melton Theatre!"

Jordan Bateman who plays Dame Trott in the panto said: "We had the absolute pleasure of delivering a relaxed performance for children and young people with a wide range of needs, and it was genuinely so special to be part of. Seeing the joy, engagement, and comfort in the Theatre reminded me exactly why inclusion matters so much."

"It was also really lovely to be able to use my limited (but hopefully helpful!) knowledge of BSL during the show. Even small moments of inclusion can make such a big difference, and I’m so grateful I could contribute in that way."

"Theatre should be for everyone. Days like today reinforce just how important accessibility is, and how powerful it can be when people feel welcomed, seen, and included.

I’m so incredibly proud of everyone in the cast and company. What a team, and what a moment to share."

Upcoming shows at Melton Theatre next year include 'Huey Morgan - The Fun Lovin' Criminal', 'An Evening With Toyah' in May 2026.

In February panto favourites Stuart Thornley-Earp and Chelsey Thornley-Earp return to the stage with their show 'The Vocal Couple Presents The Big Night Out' including special guest Ruby Slippers. Ticket details for that are available here.

Last night (Wednesday) Melton Borough Council's cabinet met to discuss the Stock Yard project which has been confirmed will include a 'cultural hub'.

During the meeting Leader of Melton Borough Council, Councillor Pip Allnatt confirmed that the plans would not replace the current offering at Melton Theatre.

He said: " It's important to emphasise this is not a different theatre. It's a cultural hub with a range of things it will be able to offer. I'm very keen on this because there are lots of small groups, for example, the lady who runs a small group for disabled children. Not the big pantomime productions but the small groups who will need a venue. This is, to me, what we're making certain they have whatever happens down the road."

He added: "If the theatre is retained that's good, but we can have both. There's no need to worry about what's going on down the road. We've got to do what we can do on that site, so that'll be something to fight for and progress."

Before the meeting Mr Allnatt reaffirmed his personal pledge to donate £500 to a group seeking to make a proposal to take over the theatre site. He went on to say there remains an outside possibility that a fresh offer might be made. He said if that is the case he will double the gift to £1,000. He said his gift relates only to the college theatre and that retaining the theatre isn't imcompatible with the proposals for a cultural hub at the Stock Yard.

Melton Borough Council's cabinet members voted in favour of adpoting the revisions to the project set out before them.

At the end of the meeting Councillor Allnatt had to rush to another meeting but invited members of the public to 'come in another time' to discuss any issues and said there is a lot of work to be done in regards to the Stock Yard and said the community will have an opportunity to have their say and give their opinions and influence the detail in what the Council are doing.

Work on the Stock Yard project is planned to start in July 2026.

A petition has been set up by furious parents at the news that an SEN provision was turned down as a potential rescue bid for the site by the Discovery Schools Trust.

Parent Lisa Bramall who started the petition said: "My 13-year-old daughter has complex needs, and unfortunately, there are no suitable post-16 educational provisions locally that can accommodate her requirements. As it stands, she will have to travel over an hour and 15 minutes to attend an out-of-county institution. This is not only impractical but also emotionally taxing for her and countless other students and parents facing the same predicament.

We are at a critical juncture where the establishment of a Special Educational Needs (SEN) College could transform education for numerous young people with complex needs within our community. The former Melton College site presents a unique opportunity to create a dedicated SEN College, offering specialized programs for students with varying needs and preventing the disruption of long commutes."

The petition has nearly 1,500 signatures. You can add yours by clicking here.