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Kelvin Players commissioned an overhaul of its exterior signage at its headquarters in North Bristol, to reflect a recent rebrand
A Bristol theatre company has detailed the impact of a signage revamp that was undertaken at its headquarters.
Kelvin Players is a non-professional community theatre company founded in 1929 which now boasts over 200 members, and is reportedly one of the most successful amateur dramatics groups in the South West.
Kelvin’s current home on Gloucester Road was bought in the 1980s through fundraising by the members, converting a methodist church hall into a fully working theatre alongside a workshop, rehearsal space, meeting rooms, and a bar.
Since then, a range of work has been undertaken to upgrade the company’s facilities and resources, the most recent of these projects being a revamp of its exterior signage.
Jacqs Graham, committee member and director of strategy at Kelvin Players, explains the thinking behind the signage revamp, saying: “As we look to celebrate our 100 year anniversary, it was time to review our branding and identity – as we do every ten years or so.
“We felt that although we have been in our theatre for some 40 years, we could do more to promote ourselves in the neighbourhood and to ’take up some space’ on the busy road – to showcase who we are what we stand for, and to advertise our artistic programme and our resources.”
A full rebrand of Kelvin Players was undertaken last year through design and marketing company, Banana Duck Creative, with final designs including for the signage created by its founder, Sarah Lawrence.
The installation, which reflects the theatre company’s rebrand, includes an illuminated LED display of the company’s logo, promotional roadside signage in Kelvin’s brand colours, advertising billboards complete with A3 point-of-display (POS) frames, and a painted design on an exterior door which includes the company’s ‘jester hat’ logo.
Speaking about the company’s new branding, Graham adds: “Our heritage is built around the idea of a jester – playful, creative, and vibrant – and so our rebrand reflected that identity.”
The signage was designed, printed, and installed by Xpress, a sign shop in Bristol situated directly opposite the theatre.
Describing the collaboration with Xpress, Graham says: “We’ve worked with Xpress previously and so we know they are creative and reliable.
“I spoke with Liam Agnew [owner of Xpress] about updating our signage, and he suggested the LED display, which was perfect. Liam was contactable at all times, asked relevant questions, and provided specific information to our premises team. It was a great collaborative project.”
Kelvin has reported a positive response and impact following the signage installation, with some locals reportedly stating that they first became aware of the theatre once the new signage was installed.
Graham comments: “People have been very complimentary about the LED sign and the updated logo and information. I feel that our exterior is now much more clear about our values – vibrant, welcoming, creative, and inspirational.”
Kelvin Players currently stages a minimum of five productions per year, alongside additional ‘plays-in-a-day’, festival entries, writing groups, and other group activities.
Other than the core acting, directing, and writing opportunities that Kelvin offers, members can also help with set design, lighting, and technical roles, as well as front-of-house duties. Those wishing to join the company or attend future shows have been encouraged to visit the Kelvin Players website.
