Image of a black box theatre with the stage lit up in purple lights

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!

Image of a young man with glasses smiling with his thumb up

Image of young white male with blond hair singing into a microphone while others dance and take photos

Image of a crowd of people on a dance floor with disco lights

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- become a Newstart member by 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 Timetable

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.

A group of young people wearing harnesses and smiling in front of a climbing wall

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.

Disco Ball image promoting Friday Club Nights

Friday Nights at Newstart

Become a member for FREE before attending any Friday Night activities.

Club Night- dance the night away under the disco lights to non-stop tunes! Please note that starred events may include alterations such as additional games, decorations or fancy dress. Dates labelled with SE are special events with a change of activity. From 6-9pm, £4 on the door:

Autumn term 2025

12/09/25- Back 2 School 00s disco *

26/09/25- SE Karaoke night

17/10/25- Club Night

31/10/25- SE Half term cinema – Halloween movies & times tbc

14/11/25- SE Bingo in Portland Coffee Shop

21/11/25- Club Night

19/12/25 – All Out Christmas Club Night*

Spring term 2026

16/01/26- Club Night

30/01/26- SE Karaoke night

13/02/26- Valentines Special*

20/02/26- SE Half term cinema- family movie & time tbc

13/03/26- SE Bingo in Portland Coffee Shop

27/03/26- Easter Celebration*

Summer term 2026

17/04/26- Club Night

15/05/26- Club Night

29/05/26- SE Half term cinema- family movie & time tbc

19/06/26- Pride Night*

10/07/26- Ibiza Rave (outdoors- weather dependent)*

Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you are 18+ you will need to bring a valid ID. Food and drink will be available to purchase from our licensed bar.

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