As for many arts organisations, recent months have been very challenging for our two companies, Discarded Nut Theatre Company and The Nutshell. We have received minimal support in the way of financial grants, but thanks to sheer determination, our fantastic staff, participants, audiences, and Winchester City Council, we are still standing and looking to the future.

In fact, the pandemic gave us time to reflect on our business and our city to ensure that the opportunities that we offer are relevant to the community in which we live. As three local women who have lived and worked in Winchester most of our lives, we are truly committed to making The Nutshell a warm and welcoming performing arts space where people of all ages and backgrounds are creatively catered for both as participants and as audience members.

We know that we can’t be all things to everyone, and that people have strong opinions on Kings Walk and the neighbourhood in which our beautiful venue is situated. However, we are passionate about our business and would like to invite those of you who would be interested in sharing your thoughts to join us at a focus group session and to help shape the future of The Nutshell as a thriving creative hub for the community and an invaluable asset for Winchester.

There will be three focus-group sessions at The Nutshell, from 10am-12pm, and you can sign up for the one most relevant to you via the link below.

Refreshments will be available!

Saturday 29th January - Adults (18+)

Saturday 5th February - Emerging practitioners, companies, performers

Saturday 12th February - Young people (10 – 18)