Braintree: The Institute bosses reflect on past year

Jim Hollands and Lewis Codling, both aged 36, became the directors of the grade II listed theatre The Institute, in Bocking End, Braintree, back in May last year.

A year later, the pair have helped oversee major physical improvements to the building itself, redecorating, walls mended and painted, the flooring ripped up.

In the main hall, its arches were repainted, a new PA sound system and speakers were also implemented for the first time in the building’s history.

Bosses - The Institute Directors Lewis Codling and Jim Hollands (Image: The Institute)

Jim and Lewis have also worked to attract a wide range of customers by booking a range of acts from music to comedy, including a warm-up show from famous comedian, Simon Brodkin.

Looking back at the past year, Jim spoke about what the pair is most proud of since taking on the role.

He said: “What we’re most proud of isn't the physical refurbishments we've made to the building, despite their extent.

"Rather, it's the restoration of our connection with the community and the arts.

Refurbished - the revitalised main hall at The Institute (Image: Newsquest)

“We frequently receive visitors who express their delight at the reopening of the building and the opportunity to attend shows once more.

“This positive impact on a large group of people is an experience we have never had before.”

Moving forward, as part of their crammed full event calendar, The Institute is hosting the acclaimed Welsh rap and hip-hop group, Goldie Lookin Chain, on August 3.

It’s a show that both Jim and Lewis are proud of given that the group first gained a cult following in the early 2000s.

Band - Goldie Lookin Chain (Image: PR)

Lewis said: “We couldn’t be more excited, it’s going to be huge.

“Goldie Lookin Chain have a massive fan base, ever since they came onto the scene in the early Noughties.

“They’re Britain’s biggest rap group and don’t take themselves seriously, as you can tell from songs such as ‘You Knows I Love You Baby’, ‘Is It Wetherspoons’, ‘Guns Don’t Kill People Rappers Do’ and many more.

“Anyone thinking of booking to see them on August 3 should do it now, the atmosphere’s going to be electric.”

A spokesman for Goldie Lookin Chain (GLC) said: “GLC are coming to Braintree and it's going to be massive.

“We might even visit Warner Textile Archive unless anyone has any better ideas…

“Either way we can't wait to hit Essex and get down to The Institute in Braintree.”

To purchase tickets, head to tinyurl.com/zpmuy2cx.