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The Backstage Centre
The Backstage Centre, located at High House Production Park in Purfleet, Essex within the Thames Estuary Production Corridor just 11 miles from London City Airport. This is a unique venue where industry and education come together. Purpose-built to support the needs of the creative and technical industries, the Centre offers a range of high-quality, flexible spaces suitable for production, rehearsal, training and events.
With an educational presence in skills development and workforce training, The Backstage Centre provides an environment that not only meets the demands of professional production, but also supports the next generation of talent. Whether you are mounting a large-scale production, developing new work, delivering specialist training or seeking a professional space to collaborate, the Centre offers the facilities, expertise and location to make it happen.
Now open for commercial bookings, the Backstage Centre invites industry partners, production companies, educators and creative organisations to take advantage of its exceptional spaces and become part of a growing hub for innovation, skills and production on the Thames Estuary.
Production & Rehearsal Spaces
- Large sound stage (875m²) with 15m grid height and high load capacity
- Fully soundproofed, temperature-controlled environment for large-scale productions
- Additional rehearsal and production spaces for theatre, TV, film and live events
Studios & Creative Spaces
- Recording studio with professional-grade equipment and acoustic design
- Dedicated live room / band rehearsal space
- Fully equipped dance studio (sprung floor)
Production Support Areas
- Green room and dressing rooms
- Production offices and meeting rooms
- Technical workshops and prop-making / rigging spaces
- Training rooms
- Laundry and backstage support areas
Training & Education Facilities
- Technical training spaces and classrooms for industry skills development
- Flexible teaching and workshop environments
- Integrated industry-standard learning environments supporting live production training
Venue & Event Facilities
- Conference and event spaces / meeting rooms
- Capacity for large productions and events
- Catering facilities
Technical Infrastructure
- High-capacity power supply and rigging infrastructure
- Integrated AV, comms, and production connectivity
- Loading access with dock doors and vehicle access
On-Site Amenities
- On-site parking (approx. 150 spaces)
- 24-hour access and security
- Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Accessible facilities (disabled access, lifts, toilets)
University College South Essex (UCSE) courses and training at The Backstage Centre
Alongside commercial hire, the Backstage Centre is also home to specialist education and skills development in technical theatre, live events and production. Students learn in a professional environment that reflects real industry practice.
If you are interested in studying here, exploring progression routes or finding out more about university-level opportunities, visit our course pages or contact the team for advice.
Costume Construction BA (Hons)
Study our outstanding Costume Construction degree in collaboration with the Royal Opera and Ballet. This course places an emphasis on the knowledge and use of both historical and current pattern cutting construction print and finishing techniques.
BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup Design for Production
This study programme is designed to advance and develop skills and techniques in the design and application for production. This programme aims to prepare students to become multiskilled makeup artists who will be able to deliver industry standard work in a commercial or production setting for TV film & stage.
Find out more about University College South Essex (UCSE) courses
Contact the right team
To help you get a faster response, please contact the relevant team below.
Commercial hire, production, rehearsal and event enquiries
For venue hire, rehearsal space, production activity, workshops, technical use and commercial bookings.
Contact: Emily Balls
📧 Email the commercial team
Course and University Centre South Essex enquiries
For courses, student opportunities, progression routes and Higher Education enquiries linked to the Backstage Centre.
Contact: John Chandler
📧 Email the course enquiries team
Location
The Backstage Centre is based at High House Production Park in Purfleet-on-Thames, Essex, within easy reach of London and approximately 11 miles from London City Airport. Its location makes it well placed for both regional access and industry connectivity.
View map and directions
The Backstage Centre, High House Production Park, Vellacott Close Off London Road, Purfleet-on-Thames, Essex RM19 1RJ
