Author: Simon Perry
FoST Start Campaign To Save Shanklin Theatre From Closure (Podcast) (UPDATED)
Tuesday, 17th November, 2009 at 4:08 pm, Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight Council, News, Shanklin, The Arts, podcast
We chatted to Barrie James, Chairman of the Friends of Shanklin Theatre, today about the possible closure of Shanklin Theatre, as proposed by the Isle of Wight Council.
The IWC originally floated the idea of closing both Ryde and Shanklin theatres back in 2007, drawing much criticism at a meeting in Bembridge (our live coverage of the meeting).
The decision on the fate of both buildings was due this week, but the IWC have postponed the decision until the 19 January next year.
FoST asks for Shanklin’s support
The Friends of Shanklin Theatre, or FoST as they’ve become known, are really keen to gather all of the people of the Bay area to come together to show support for the theatre.
Bay Arts Centre
FoST are suggesting that Shanklin Theatre could be used for many more things in addition to theatre and are suggesting it become a Bay Arts Centre.
They propose that the arts in Shanklin could run around the theatre, also providing an exhibition space for artists or the local history society.
Get involved
Barrie is keen for people to show their support, “If people out there listening today are interested, please contact us through our email address – fost@live.co.uk.”
UPDATE 09:05 18.Nov.09: The Friends of Shanklin Theatre now have a Website up.
They’re interested in people putting their skills forward – electricians, carpenters, etc – as we’ll as people able to put ideas forward or their time.
There’s a Web site and a dedicated phone line on the way too (Check back here for updates).
Free event this week
As is often the case with students visiting the theatre from abroad, a set of French students will be performing a free half-hour show (in English) on Friday 30th November.
Pop along and show your support.
Here’s the interview we did with Barrie today
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The theatre needs to diversify, encompassing not just static exibitions from artists and historical groups, but all forms of the arts. There is plenty of rooms to include rehersal rooms, martial arts and dancing classes.
There needs to be a cafe and bar open during the day time and a combined tourist information centre, shop and booking office.
It is hard to beleive that the bar license was allowed to expire and should immediately be put back in place along with the provision of a late license for an after show bar and entertainment.
The old Mayors office needs to be re-instated and used as the town council offices and rooms be available for hire for other events.
It could even be considered that the Registrars office be moved here if its current location in Northwood House becomes un-acceptable.
The theatre has to attract live music acts and DJ’s to this magnificent venue.
If there is a genuine desire for this theatre to maintain its position as a figurehead and base for our community, it has to be promoted and managed as such, something that has been gravely missed
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I agree. This plot of land is ripe for re-development…..into yet more flats! We should put all our town assets into making a new and vibrant Town Hall.
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The thing is, having seen the plans of the building, you can see the true potential of the place,but weighed up against the over inflated/badly estimated council estimates for its refurb and the total lack of interest in the parties that have already come forward and shown an interest in the theatre makes these current efforts by the council look like attempts to placate the town in the face of the deciscion in January. I hope not, and that out town can find a way around its own petty politics to put forward a plan that the council cannot ignore.
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Both Ryde and Shanklin and the Winter Gardens should remain live ‘n’ kicking. The problem is; the Council do not want these venues. This is abundantly clear with Ryde owners not approaching all manors of activities. Preferring to stay closed rather than put on events. With this inadequate approach, none have a chance in survival. A change of ownership and a healthy vibrant ownership is desperately needed.
Loads could be said, but as the council have deaf ears, then I may as well urinate against a wall.
With the behaviour of the Council, I wonder if there is a way of reporting them to their Ethics team. After all, we all have these Code of Conduct rules to abide too these days (or CoC, as we have lovingly got to know it by).
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