The Corn Exchange occupies a Grade II listed building on Market Place in Newbury, built in 1862 to trade corn before that use declined through the 20th century. The Corn Exchange (Newbury) Trust, a registered charity, converted the building into an arts centre in 1993 and still runs it as the venue's sole site. The main hall seats 400 for touring theatre, dance, music and comedy, including an annual pantomime, while a separate 40-seat screening room shows arthouse, classic and mainstream film alongside live broadcasts of theatre, opera and dance from other venues. A café bar in the foyer serves food through the day and before evening performances. The Trust also runs a learning programme of workshops and community participation projects from the building and operates an outdoor performance space nearby. Funding comes through Arts Council England, the Greenham Trust and West Berkshire Council alongside ticket and bar income, keeping the venue independent of any commercial cinema or theatre chain.
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