Bold claim: a beloved community theatre is at risk of shutting out its audience if it cannot upgrade for aging residents. This is the situation facing The Chrysalis Theatre in Milton Keynes, a venue run by Camphill that has hosted homes, work, and community activities for residents since 1981. The theatre’s existing space, however, no longer accommodates the physical needs of its aging community, including wheelchair access, and the charity is seeking funds to upgrade.
Camphill Milton Keynes describes a tight-knit community where residents live, work, and participate together. Lucy Davies, Camphill’s development manager, explains that residents engage in creative workshops during the day and live on site, with a purpose-filled daily rhythm that emphasizes meaningful activity. Many residents have called Camphill home for decades, some for more than 40 years.
Opened two decades ago, The Chrysalis Theatre hosts hundreds of events annually, including concerts, workshops, and theatre shows, and operates daily theatre programs. Two church groups also use the venue on Sundays, which helps cover running costs. Yet, the foyer counters stand at standing height and the stage is accessed only by stairs, creating barriers for those with mobility challenges. To address this, Camphill is raising funds for a more accessible theatre and for installing cameras to live-stream productions, broadening participation for people who cannot attend in person.
Davies emphasizes a shift in healthcare and disability awareness that has extended lifespans and, with aging, brings age-related illnesses such as dementia, sight loss, and reduced mobility. She notes that these changes affect everyone and heightens the need for accessible facilities.
Recently, The Chrysalis Theatre appointed Chris Bradley as theatre manager. Bradley expresses a clear, long-term aim: to stage more inclusive productions that reflect Camphill’s values and create additional opportunities for residents to participate and shine on stage.
If you’d like to contribute to making The Chrysalis Theatre more accessible or have a story idea about Beds, Herts & Bucks, you can get in touch.
