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The ‘wedding cake church’ that is now a circus school?

A masterpiece of provincial ‘Gothick’ architecture in an 18th-century square, the ‘wedding cake church’ of St Paul’s (so named because of the way that the tower stacks up) was granted a new lease of life by the CCT in partnership with Circomeda, a circus-training school.

Featuring a beautifully ornate Georgian plaster ceiling, stone columns and a wealth of decorative stained glass, the historic interior is complemented by state of the art aerial and trapeze equipment and a pale maplewood semi-sprung dance floor.  

Whilst retaining its original grandeur and the uplifting qualities of light and space, St. Paul’s has been effectively adapted to incorporate all requirements for a contemporary arts venue. It is now a stunning and well loved setting perfect for a wide range of events – performances, professional research and development, concerts, wedding receptions, open space conferencing, awards ceremonies, AGMs and private parties.

The adaptations made to the building to enable Circomedia’s use do not prevent the beauty of the building being seen. The animated and elegant plasterwork of the nave ceiling and chancel arch and a fine collection of monuments including a memorial by Flaxman to Col. Spencer Thomas Vassall, who was mortally wounded at the storming of Montevideo in 1807 are still clearly visible to see.

Find out more about our award winning adaptation of St Paul’s

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