‘I don’t see us doing a four-month run of an Ibsen play’: Hoxton Hall’s new boss on harnessing the community and putting fun at the forefront

Hoxton Hall’s new CEO Stuart Cox. Photograph: Hoxton Hall

Historic local theatre Hoxton Hall has a new man at the helm, and he has big plans to build its community – with a sense of fun.

Stuart Cox, brought in as chief executive earlier this year, started as he means to go on by hosting a unique circus show in February at the intimate venue, which began life as a music hall in 1863.

He told the Citizen: “I really enjoyed the kind of open performance I saw with Circus Enchanté last month. When the audience were actively talking to the performers, I thought it was magical.

“Hoxton Hall is a great space for that kind of performance.”

There was a feeling of camaraderie as audience members cheered on the performers and joined them on stage.

The dusky space with its deep velvet red curtains and elaborate 19th-century banisters framed the circus in a quirky way.

The six acts ranged from modern ballet and acrobatics to juggling.

Circus Enchanté is an example of what the future holds for Hoxton Hall. Photograph: Pablo Herrera Pérez

There was funny insight into circus politics, like the jealous, under-valued singer, the chaotic mime in awe of the lead acrobat, and the drunken balancing act.

A particular comedy favourite was the Swan Lake ballerina who danced away the toilet paper stuck to her pumps.

This was the first show for company BrainFools, which is made up of recent graduates from the National Centre for Circus Arts in Hoxton.

For Stuart Cox, that kind of local link will form an important part of his stewardship.

Following stints at other London theatres and arts organisations like the Blue Elephant, the Hoxton community was a big draw for him.

“What’s really exciting is the potential to do something place-based working in the community. My background is mostly in the arts.

“The heritage, the beauty of the building, and the wonderful youth programme are some of the attractions. I also love the history of the music hall.”

Before it became the multi-purpose theatre, Hoxton Hall housed a Quaker organisation, women’s groups, a community activism and arts centre, gigs and raves.

The Grade II*-listed, saloon-style theatre. Photograph: Hoxton Hall

A hundred years ago, Hackney was full of music halls, where singers would do the rounds, but many have disappeared, like the Wood Green Empire that is now a Matalan store.

“There used to be one on Hoxton Street where Charles Dickens did readings,” said Cox. “It’s a sad fact we have lost a lot of theatrical buildings across the country.”

The Hoxton Hall of today also offers recording studio sessions and a summer programme of dance, circus and visual art for young people.

Cox wants to promote student and youth shows on the same level as the professional performances.

“Everything is valid. Everything is our programme,” he said.

Cox is putting together a plan for the coming year and added: “There’s a lot of interest in the building which is good. I’m talking to lots of theatre companies and community groups and artists. I’m very excited about the conversations I’m having.”

Cox wants to give youth shows equal billing. Photograph: Hoxton Hall

He is also preparing Hoxton Hall’s take on the ‘fun palace’ concept, which is an October nationwide phenomenon that sees communities create their own programme of arts events.

He said: “It doesn’t have to be a big spectacle. It could be a dance class, a knitting class, a discussion, or a multitude of things going on in different rooms. It can be as small and big as you like.”

He is also keen on opening Hoxton Hall up to the public.

“Again, it’s about making spaces available to people who feel they are not for them and allowing communities to talk.”

Cox is building his programme by speaking to arts organisations like the Dickens Theatre and National Centre for Circus Arts. He is also in conversation with local mental health charities and community services to truly understand what people in the area would benefit from.

“Listening to what people want to do is really important for building partnerships and a programme,” he said.

And what has he found?

“I have found that people want fun, and they want to feel connected to people. They want to come together, take ownership of the building, and feel comfortable there. I don’t see us doing a four-month run of an Ibsen play.

“We’re about music, dance, circus, short plays, communication and community work.”

For more information, including what’s coming up at Hoxton Hall, visit hoxtonhall.co.uk.