Some say the building is in an area that’s far too cramped for its size and others claim it looks like an oversized car park. Whatever people think of Leicester’s new state-of-the-art theatre it has turned heads. The council has been lambasted for increases in cost and an independent watchdog has already claimed the building is ‘bad value for money’.

In spite of this it is a magnificent structure with incredible features like enormous mechanical stage walls and storage spaces allowing sets to change in seconds.

Is it justifiable then to measure such a huge project’s value for money after only its first year of existence? The current economic conditions may not be great for business but if it’s true the best art comes out of periods of financial difficulty Leicester’s latest offering should be a real hit.

Paul Kerryson, the artistic director of Curve, arranges the program of work, directs some shows, and ensures the theatre is used to its full effect. I asked him how he thought success could be measured: “Success is measured by attendances and the pleasure experienced by people. We have some small shows in this (rehearsal) room and someone may have a great time seeing a brilliant workshop, which we run all the time. It can also be measured by the satisfaction on the faces of people who come here, especially the children.”

There is a mix of shows in the program this year to keep everyone satisfied. Last year’s big success with The Pillowman has led to something similar in the Lieutenant of Inishmore. A dark-humoured blood fest of a play written by the same writer, Martin McDonagh, it combines razor-sharp dialogue with scenes of graphic violence.

Shows like these are at the forefront of staged entertainment with moments of shocking action, dialogue and plot twists that spin you round and throw you out wondering where you’ve been. They suit the modern look of the theatre perfectly, I asked Paul if he felt a responsibility to meet the expectations people have from the exterior.

“You need to match the cutting edge design of the building. Our real thing is to push new stuff that hasn’t been seen before. If I packed this place with stuff that’s been going on for 20 years people wouldn’t experience anything new and I want to promote hits of the future.”

I asked him how he thought success could be measured: “Success is measured by attendances and the pleasure experienced by people. We have some small shows in this (rehearsal) room and someone may have a great time seeing a brilliant workshop, which we run all the time. It can also be measured by the satisfaction on the faces of people who come here, especially the children.”

There is a mix of shows in the program this year to keep everyone satisfied. Last year’s big success with The Pillowman has led to something similar in the Lieutenant of Inishmore. A dark-humoured blood fest of a play written by the same writer, Martin McDonagh, it combines razor-sharp dialogue with scenes of graphic violence.

Shows like these are at the forefront of staged entertainment with moments of shocking action, dialogue and plot twists that spin you round and throw you out wondering where you’ve been. They suit the modern look of the theatre perfectly, I asked Paul if he felt a responsibility to meet the expectations people have from the exterior.

“You need to match the cutting edge design of the building. Our real thing is to push new stuff that hasn’t been seen before. If I packed this place with stuff that’s been going on for 20 years people wouldn’t experience anything new and I want to promote hits of the future.”

Tasha Etches, age 16 from Great Bowden, whose grandfather helped build it said: “The performers are good and the staff are nice. I think it’s an inspiration for people to pursue their dreams in theatre.”

Denis Bradley, age 49, from Freemens Meadow said: “It’s modern, innovative and stylish. I’ve been there for the theatre and Amplified Leicester.” He added, “It offers an alternative to an otherwise small town feeling.”

There are some great shows coming up at Curve to improve that ‘small town feeling’ and some of the best will be shown as part of the Comedy Festival. Russel Kane, past star of Live at the Apollo, brings his unique brand of humour to the stage for an evening on why we like to preen, pose and prance so much in Human Dressage. One Man Lord of the Rings is 3,600 seconds of unbelievable kinetic entertainment. Charlie Ross recreates the enchanting world of middle earth armed with a pair of elbow pads and an active imagination. Grumpy Old Women star, Jenny Eclair, is disarmingly frank about the physical effects of aging in Jenny Eclair ‘Live!’ so expect material on motherhood, the etiquette of alcohol and why parties are rubbish. Sean Lock’s Lockipedia shows off his encyclopedic knowledge of ‘stuff’. Warning, do not use this show as a reliable source of information- for entertainment purposes only. Direct from the West End, Stop Messing About- A Kenneth Williams Extravaganza is packed with funny sketches, parodies and songs and The Lieutenant of Inishmore will be ‘bloody’ funny.

Other great productions this Spring include ‘The Rat Pack’ which gives you the opportunity to experience Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin performing at the famous Sands Hotel in the late 1950s early 60s. A clever adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, ‘The 39 Steps’ has been brilliantly and hilariously recreated, featuring four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and action. A dizzying array of fantastic shows like these will hit the stage in coming months and, whatever you think of Curve, most of them are bound to be brilliant.

For more information on events at Curve visit:

www.curveonline.co.uk