Chrysalis Theatre · Willen Park, Milton Keynes

A Working Theatre at the Heart of Milton Keynes

Live performance, music, conferences and community events in a versatile 209-seat venue run by Camphill Milton Keynes & Northants. Come to a show, or bring your own event to our stage.

What’s on

Coming Up at the Chrysalis

An evening event at the Chrysalis
Sat 28 Nov | 7:30pm to 9:30pm | £5 to £15

MK Sinfonia: Scandinavia

Nielsen, the Grieg Piano Concerto with soloist Yazdi Madon, and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5.

Christmas at the Chrysalis
Thu 17 Dec | 5pm to 8pm

Christmas at the Chrysalis

Carols, crafts, mince pies and the Christmas market.

Speaker on the Chrysalis stage
Wed 20 Jan | 7pm to 9:30pm | £7.50

UK Astronomy Evening

Two talks by Dr Ross Hockham: a tour of the solar system, then how to spot objects in the night sky. For families and beginners.

Mailing list

Join Our Events Mailing List

If you love live arts, music and theatre, sign up to hear about new shows first. We email once a month.

The venue

One Stage, Many Kinds of Event

The Chrysalis is a fully working theatre with the flexibility to host far more than plays. In a single week the same space can stage a touring production, a dance recital, a council briefing or a full-day conference.

Local arts organisations, community groups, businesses and the council all use the venue, and every booking supports the work of Camphill Milton Keynes & Northants.

209

Seat
auditorium

2

Rooms
for hire

Free

On-site
parking
Wide shot of the Chrysalis auditorium and stage
Conference delegates in the auditorium
Performers on stage under theatre lighting
Events at the Chrysalis

Built for Performance, Ready for Business

From opening nights to AGMs, here are some of the events we host.

Theatre production on the Chrysalis stage

Theatre & Drama

Touring companies, local productions and amateur dramatics on a fully working stage.

Live music concert in the auditorium

Music & Concerts

Bands, choirs, orchestras and singer-songwriters, with seating for up to 209.

Dance performance or recital

Dance & Recitals

Dance school shows, recitals and showcases on a real stage, in front of a real audience.

Conference or AGM set up in the auditorium

Conferences & AGMs

Theatre-style seating for up to 209 delegates, with rooms nearby for breakout sessions.

Training session in a meeting room

Training & Meetings

Smaller rooms for training days, workshops and team meetings.

Community or cultural event at the theatre

Community & Cultural Events

Talks, screenings, celebrations and events with local arts and community organisations.

Who uses the Chrysalis

Trusted by Local Organisations

We work with Milton Keynes City Council, Community Action: MK and a growing number of local arts and cultural organisations.

Venue hire

Bring Your Event to the Chrysalis

Available to hire Thursday to Sunday, plus Monday to Wednesday evenings. Tell us about your event and our theatre manager will help you find the right space and set-up.

Auditorium set theatre-style for a conference

Conferencing

Conferences, AGMs, launches and awards evenings for up to 209 guests.

Meeting room set up for a training session

Meeting & Training Rooms

Smaller rooms for training days, workshops and meetings.

One of the other rooms available to hire

Other Rooms

Flexible spaces for rehearsals, breakouts and smaller groups.

Camphill drama workshop rehearsing on stage
Part of Camphill

Home to Our Drama Workshop

On Monday to Wednesday daytimes the Chrysalis becomes a workshop space for the people we support. Our drama workshop rehearses, creates and performs here, and the theatre is a big part of life at Camphill.

Access and facilities

Accessible for Audiences and Performers

We want everyone to enjoy a visit to the Chrysalis. Here is what to expect. If you have a specific requirement, tell us when you book and we will do our best to help.

Step-Free Access

Step-free from the front doors into the auditorium, and the lower floor has its own step-free entrance. Our doors are not automatic, so please ask a member of the team if you need a hand.

Accessible Toilets

Two accessible toilets: one in the main foyer, with baby-changing facilities, and one downstairs.

Parking

Free parking on site with seven Blue Badge spaces: four in the main car park and three on the right of the drive. Visitors can be dropped off at the turning circle beside the theatre; please let us know in advance.

Seating

209 seats with good sightlines from every one. The front row is step-free and can be removed to give up to 13 wheelchair spaces. Stairs to the balcony and in the raked seating have handrails.

Stage and Backstage Access

A Flexstep lift gives wheelchair access to the stage. The dressing rooms are down a flight of stairs, which we are working to improve, so please talk to us about what you need.

Carers and Extra Support

Carers and support workers can have a free ticket to accompany someone: email us before you book.

Plan your visit

Finding the Chrysalis

Find Us

You can find us at: Chrysalis Theatre, Japonica Lane, Willen Park, Milton Keynes MK15 9JY.

Eat Before the Show

Camphill Café is just across the site, serving lunches, cakes and bread from our bakery.