Newstart Theatre and Sports Hall
Welcome to Newstart Theatre
Newstart is the home of a community programme of inclusive arts and sports activities designed for adults with physical and learning disabilities.
Our activities are for everyone! Whether you are a past, present or future Portland learner or citizen, or just a person keen to join in from the local community, check out our activities and get involved!
About Newstart
Following a £1.6million fundraising campaign in 2022, our 1950’s Newstart Hall was transformed into a state-of-the-art theatre and sports hall that hosts a variety of events for the community.
With a focus on disability sports and art, Newstart offers an exciting calendar of performances, events, fixtures and education programmes for our learners, local groups and wider communities. The hall can also be hired for community groups, conferences and parties.
Opposite the theatre stands our contemporary coffee shop which provides the perfect space for you to relax, meet friends and see just how Portland helps transform the futures of people with disabilities.
Newstart Activities
Sign up FREE to become a Newstart member by scanning the QR code or completing this quick and easy form. 
Once you are a member, you can turn up to any Newstart session. There is no need to pre-book most activities- just pay as you go!*
For more information on any of the sessions in the timetable, please contact newstart@portland.ac.uk or call 01623 499111 ext 512. *You must contact us to reserve your space for cooking, archery and MYDA as spaces are limited.
Newstart Group Trips – Walesby and More
Looking for an adventure? We partner up with other providers such as Walesby Forest to do activities like climbing and axe throwing! Trips run approximately once per month. Sign up to the mailing list on our membership form to receive invites to our upcoming trips.
Mansfield Young Deaf Adults (MYDA)
A team of dedicated volunteers run an inclusive youth group for d/Deaf people aged 16+ once per month. Each month a different social activity takes place in Newstart or the local community. Check out what’s on and how to book here.
Friday Club Night
Portland’s inclusive club night is open to the whole community, to anyone who would enjoy a fantastic social evening with some banging music! Tickets are £4 on the door.
Club Nights 24/25 from 6-9pm:
January 2025- 17th and 31st
February 2025- 14th
March 2025- 7th and 21st
April 2025- 4th and 25th
May 2025- 9th and 23rd
June 2025- 13th and 27th
July 2025- 11th
Become a member for FREE before attending any Friday Club Nights.
Booking Newstart
Our sports hall and theatre is open for bookings during the evenings and weekends for sports and performance groups, competitions, theatre or musical productions, dance or exercise groups, conferences and much more.
For more information, contact our Newstart Programme Leader on 01623 499111 ext 512 or email newstart@portland.ac.uk
Our large hall is perfect for exhibitions and conventions!
The theatre set up is ideal for performances or private screenings.
A multi purpose space that can be set up for creative workshops and sports activities.
Gallery
More to explore
We support our communities through a range of different services, with all profits going directly to our charity.
