OVO is excited to announce four of the UK’s most highly acclaimed actors are supporting the creation of our new theatre in St Albans.

Brian Cox CBE, Dame Joanna Lumley, Ralph Fiennes and Zoë Wanamaker CBE are the proud new patrons of our exciting venture supporting emerging actors, artists and technicians from a diverse range of backgrounds to become the stars of tomorrow.

OVO will transform the 17th century barn in St Albans into a vibrant, year-round performance venue housing a new repertory company which will provide vital opportunities for early career performers, creatives, and crew who might otherwise find it difficult to establish themselves in the industry.

Located in historic Verulamium Park, the barn has long been in disrepair and is listed on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ Register. First mentioned in 1649, the building has deep theatrical roots, having been bought by Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Killigrew, whose father and uncle were both playwrights and theatre producers in the time of Charles II.

Brian Cox is particularly keen to see young people from working class backgrounds accessing the industry. He said:

“When I was 14 years old an opportunity opened up for me at Dundee Rep. I left school, earned £4 a week and started to learn my trade. This was my first experience of live theatre – until then it was seen as a middle-class pursuit. It was the greatest apprenticeship I could have wished for and laid the foundations for the career I have had. The decline of the repertory system has denied many young people from working class backgrounds the opportunity of a career in theatre. I’m delighted to support OVO’s new initiative to widen the talent pool and increase the diversity of our industry.”

Joanna Lumley is pleased to be able to support aspiring actors who may wish to enter the industry through less conventional routes:

“I am thrilled to be involved in this exciting project which will bring encouragement to so many young actors. As someone who had no formal acting training, I wholly encourage positive projects like this that identify young, up-and-coming talent from all kinds of backgrounds.”

Zoë Wanamaker is delighted to be involved as she continues her father’s legacy at the Globe Theatre in supporting the arts through a connection with historic buildings:

“I passionately believe in opportunity for all. Not only do new actors and creatives benefit from schemes like OVO’s barn theatre, but the impact on society is huge too.”

In his early career, Ralph Fiennes’ agent encouraged him to hone his craft in regional theatres rather than pursuing immediate television roles, which he believes gave him a long-term perspective on artistic development. He said:

“I know the importance of an exceptional grassroots training experience. There is a sense of wonder and anticipation that comes with mixing the old and the new. The preservation of the 17th century barn together with the eager energy of budding new actors will be the beginning of something fabulous. I am extremely proud to be a part of it.”

Adam Nichols, our Artistic Director at OVO, said:

“OVO has always prided itself on making theatre accessible and inclusive. I can’t wait to be able to welcome a talented troupe of actors, creatives and crew from a diverse range of backgrounds to live and work with us to make incredible theatre all year round.”

St Germain’s Barn will produce two seasons of work annually, in Spring and Autumn, focusing on OVO’s mission of creating bold, imaginative and surprising new versions of classic plays and stories. This new venue will provide rehearsal facilities, a bar and restaurant.

Renovation work will begin later this year, with the venue opening and the first company of actors on board in Summer 2026.

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BARN BACKGROUND

Thanks to a £300,000 grant from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund, we are closer than ever to making this vision a reality.

St Germain’s Barn, a Grade II listed building currently on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ Register, has been in need of care and investment for years. This building has its own historical ties to theatre – it was purchased by vice-Admiral Sir Henry Killigrew in 1692 – his father was the playwright and patent holder for Drury Lane, Henry Killigrew, and his brother was the dramatist, Thomas Killigrew.

Our plan is simple but impactful: refurbish the barn to create a unique performance space with a courtyard, stage, and flexible seating. By preserving the building’s historic integrity while enhancing its functionality, we can create a cultural hub for theatre, music, and community events.