Our centre is named after Jim Barrington, a local businessman. In the early 1980s Jim, along with a group of like-minded colleagues, campaigned for a building that could benefit local residents. Together they convinced Dorset Council and Tescos that, in return for gaining the Ferndown site for a new supermarket, they should build an arts and community centre.
Over the years, the committee developed a centre that catered for many local groups and a theatre equally comfortable hosting both commercial and community events. This would not have been possible without the help and dedication of our volunteers, many of whom have been volunteering for over a decade and with some having been with the centre since the beginning.
The theatre has hosted a myriad of shows over the years, from national treasures Des O’Connor and Henry Blofeld, to legendary performers such as The Three Degrees, Marty Wilde, The Dreamers and The Bachelors. We regularly stage live music from tribute acts of classic artists including Pink Floyd, Elvis, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Dolly Parton.