If you love ‘live entertainment’ especially when it’s brought to your doorstep, look no further than the Forest Arts Centre in Walsall. Not only is the centre a multi-faceted venue in its own right, it also houses a little known gem in its midst.
The A3 Arena is a Walsall Council managed entertainments venue that is certainly on a par with its regional contemporaries. The site which is based within the main Arts Centre, is a top notch entertainment oasis in the heart of the Black Country boasting 7,000 square feet, state of the art, lighting, video and sound systems, 600 seats – some of which are retractable, and has a standing capacity of 1,000. Situated in the heart of Leamore and close to the M6 networks, it is well placed to attract music, arts and comedy lovers from all over the region.
Cllr Garry Perry Portfolio Holder for Communities, Leisure and Culture at Walsall Council is all too happy to sing its praises. He said: “This is a venue to be proud of and there really is something for everyone at affordable prices. The A3 Arena has awakened ‘live art’ here in Walsall and is fast becoming the ‘go to’ place for a whole range of entertainment – bringing fun, love, life and laughter to our doorstep.”
Since its launch years ago, A3 has been steadily developing its brand by working closely with major promoters. As a result the venue is attracting a fan base from local and wider audiences. Take a 3D interactive walk here to see why:
my.matterport.com/show/?m=44MSKCFvRzD
In a relatively short time it has proved to be a versatile and popular space, now attracting top class acts and newer artists. It’s also a gaining reputation in the Black Country as an up and coming comedy venue. ‘Avalon’ one of the biggest comedy promoters in the UK and America and big name ‘Phil Mcintyre Entertainments’ have both worked with us to bring major box office draws to Walsall. Comedy gold like Lee Nelson, Jenny Éclair, Omid Djalili, Chris Ramsey and Richard Herring, along with West Country legend Jethro, are sell-out artists that draw in large audiences. The ‘talent’ isn’t backward in coming forward with their praise either.
Richard Herring: “Thanks for the amazing gig”
Lee Nelson: “No idea where I am! But I love it!”
Omid Djalili: “What a gig!” Building on this type of success means that Irish funny man Ed Byrne will now headline the venue in the spring of 2020. Check the centre’s website for more details www.forestartscentre.co.uk/
And it doesn’t stop with the laughter either. Since its launch in 2017, the Arena has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors and several hundred performers through its door bringing a range of shows never seen in the borough before. Acclaimed Broadway /West End performers ‘The Barricade Boys’ wowed their A3 audience earlier in March with their terrific vocals, tight harmonies and toe tapping choreography. Veteran super singers ‘The Drifters’, treading their own brand of Boardwalk, brought some old-school USA style crooning to Walsall. If you were a devotee of ‘Woodstock’ back in the day – folk singing legends ‘Fairport Convention’ had faithful fans travelling from far and wide when they performed last here last May Bank Holiday. The band praised their terrific Black Country audience and described the site as – ‘a lovely venue.’
These are all great value for money shows – applauded on the international stage, but seldom accessible outside of large venues and cities. For local audiences who want a facility that is on their doorstep, this is the ideal site. The artists are happy too, because the Arena meets their high production standards with the most recent sound, stage and digital technology available. This latest technology is also a fantastic resource for the local community of Walsall and an opportunity to celebrate and support home grown talent. Walsall schools and colleges along with established Arts groups have a long association with Forest Arts and regularly book it. The addition of the new arena means that Walsall Music Hub, Big Sing, Walsall Youth projects are all staged there regularly and the perennially popular Walsall Christmas pantomime is now easily accommodated at the Arena. Those who regularly use and book Forest Arts facilities know that they can rely on the centre’s team of expert managers, theatrical tutors and studio technicians, to advise and guide them on how to get the best out of this special place and the centre’s various studios and conference rooms. Walsall Council is ‘Proud’ of this gem – one that is truly is up there with some of the best entertainment venues in the country. Book the A3 yourself and you will soon see why.
