ONE of Renfrewshire's biggest stars yesterday revealed the new location of a youth theatre's performance space.

James McCardle, who has featured in stages hits such as Peter Gynt and Angels in America, brought the curtain up on former nightclub Mannequins, in Old Sneddon Street, Paisley.

It will be transformed into a new space for PACE, called Exchange, dedicated to promoting and developing theatre for young people through performance opportunities.

James, who is a former PACE member, was also announced as the group's first-ever patron.

He said: “I'll always be grateful to PACE for the start that they gave me on my journey to becoming an actor, not just the skills I learnt when acting but how to have confidence in myself and hold my own. It is a privilege to be able support them in their ambitions.

“I have experienced first-hand that theatre has the power to be lifechanging and already, it’s clear that through this building they will be able to create even more opportunities for young people and their families.

“It's still the happiest time of my life, I felt like I had a voice and was listened to at PACE even though I was young. It taught me I had value and worth which has been a vital part in becoming an actor but also just in growing up.”

The Gazette:

Built as the New Templar Hall in 1932, the building has been used in the past as a dance hall, cinema, and telephone exchange.

The proposed model for the building model is inspired by young people focused buildings in England such as Unicorn Theatre, Polka Theatre, Chickenshed and Half Moon Theatre in London, Hullabaloo in Darlington, Contact in Manchester and Greenwich Young People’s Theatre.

Renfrewshire Council has already pledged an award of £300k from Renfrewshire’s £1.46m share of the Scottish Government's £50m Town Centre Capital Fund - aimed at bringing vacant buildings back into use, improving infrastructure and supporting community-led regeneration.

Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes said: “PACE Youth Theatre have been at the heart of the local area for more than three decades – in that time many thousands of young people’s lives having been enriched by that experience, and this new venue will open up those benefits to the next generation too.

“Of course, there is a long list of those young people for whom time spent at PACE was their springboard to stardom in the world of TV, film or theatre – and it’s great to see James McArdle coming back to where it all started for him to be part of this announcement today.

The Gazette: Elderslie star Richard Madden was a member of PACE Elderslie star Richard Madden was a member of PACE

“Renfrewshire Council is putting culture at the heart of our plans to help transform the area’s fortunes, through the Future Paisley programme – which includes major investment in our own cultural venues such as Paisley Museum and Town Hall, as well as funding to help local creative groups like PACE grow.

“So we are delighted to have been able to make available funding, which will help PACE bring a long-term vacant building back into use and bring new footfall and vibrancy to the town centre.”

PACE alumni have included singer Paolo Nutini, and actors James McAvoy (X-Men), Richard Madden (Bodyguard, Cinderella, Game of Thrones), Kevin Guthrie (Fantastic Beasts, Sunshine on Leith), Scott Reid (Still Game), James McArdle (Mary Queen of Scots), Amy Conachan (Hollyoaks), Mark Rowley (The Last Kingdom) and Leigh Quinn (RSC).

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