Norwich Arts Centre
Norwich Arts Centre is a small, independently run venue with charitable status (Charity No: 274803) situated close to the centre of Norwich. NAC is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
Firmly established in the heart of Norwich’s cultural community, NAC plays a key role in the delivery of a programme of live music, theatre, live art, comedy, live literature, new media and photography twinned with a commitment to creating opportunities for the development of new talent.
The converted church (originally built in 1349) houses an auditorium able to cater for seated and standing events with many original features of St Swithin’s Church in tact. This allows NAC to undertake a diverse live programme covering rock and pop, world, jazz and folk music as well as rising comedy stars, performance opportunities, children’s theatre and creative workshops.
Big names, small venue… The venue received the prestigious ‘NME Best Small Venue in the Eastern Region’ award in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Over the years NAC has seen an amazing array of shows from performers who have subsequently gone on to achieve fame. Amongst those who have appeared are bands such as Coldplay, Nirvana, Oasis, Muse, Kasabian and The Manic Street Preachers as well as blues legend Dr John.
Stage performers like Little Britain stars Matt Lucas and David Walliams, top comedians like Dylan Moran, Jack Dee, Josie Long, David Baddiel and Rob Newman have all graced the stage over the years. Former Dr Who star Tom Baker has been spotted in the audience and Hollywood film director/writer Mike Figgis appeared as part of the People Show in the early days.
More information about St. Swithins Church can be found at the Norwich Historic Churches Trust website.
