Theatre celebrates 125 years of storytelling

8 hours ago

Ashlea Tracey

BBC News, Isle of Man

The Manx theatre that faced closure in the 1970s celebrates 125 years of storytelling

A seaside theatre that was "under real threat of closure" in the 1970s is celebrating 125 years of storytelling.

Designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham, the Isle of Man's Gaiety Theatre opened its doors on Harris Promenade in Douglas for the first time on 16 July 1900.

Stars such as Ken Dodd and Joanna Lumley have trodden the boards, and the performance space has hosted countless pantomimes, dance shows and circuses.

Sarah Wilson-White of the VillaGaiety complex said it was and "incredibly special" theatre and she "couldn't imagine" the island without it.

The site was home to the Pavilion Theatre, built in 1893, prior to its redevelopment

Manx National Heritage A black and white image of the Pavilion Theatre. The building had a semi-circular roof and a detailed iron frontage over two lower levels. You can see a small advert for Cadburys Cocoa by the entrance. At the bottom, the words The Pavilion Theatre have been written on the photograph in white. — The site was home to the Pavilion Theatre, built in 1893, prior to its redevelopment

Before being opened at the turn of the 20th Century, the building was home to the Pavilion Theatre which had been closed after just six seasons.

Matcham was brought in to rejuvenate the site and it is those designs that have been preserved for more than a century.

Specialising in theatre and music halls, the architect had previously worked on Blackpool's Grand Theatre and Tower Ballroom, and was later responsible for several venues in London, including the Palladium and Shepherd's Bush Empire.

The first production at the redesigned Gaiety Theatre following the site's renovation was a performance of The Telephone Girl, starring musical comedy actress Ada Blanche.

A projection suite was installed in 1932, at a time when demand to visit cinemas was high, which went on to became the theatre's principal form of entertainment during World War Two.

In 1971 the building, which had become dilapidated, was bought by the Manx government for £41,000.

Some restoration works began later that decade, before further extensive repair works took place during the 1990s ahead of the theatre's centenary in 2000.

Performers with the Stella Hartley Holiday Show Time took to the stage in 1965

Manx National Heritage A total of 18 men and women stand on the stage in front of a ruffled curtain. Taken in black and white, the men wear black suits and white shirts and the women wear frilly white dresses, some have head dresses on. — Performers with the Stella Hartley Holiday Show Time took to the stage in 1965

Technical Manager at VillaGaiety Séamus Shea said the Victorian theatre had hosted a range of entertainment over the years, from "ice shows, circuses, and shows with three or four hundred kids on stage, to one man standing at the front telling stories like Ken Dodd or John Bishop".

He said in the 1970s, ahead of the "faithful restoration" of the 1990s, there were "sad stories of the wrecking ball turning up outside and people chaining themselves to the railings saying no".

The theatre largely resembles the design theatregoers would have experienced in the early 20th Century

Manx National Heritage A black and white image of the view from the stage of the theatre, rows of wooden seats make up the stalls, and more can be seen in the circle too. There are individual boxes close to the stage on the circle-level. Ornate designs can be seen on the outside, which connect to front of the balconies. — The theatre largely resembles the design theatregoers would have experienced in the early 20th Century

The theatre has 862 seats across four levels in the stalls, circle, amphitheatre, and gallery

The view from the stage of the theatre, you can see a small section of the brown stage. Rows of green velvet seats make up the stalls, and more can be seen in the circle too. There are individual boxes close to the stage on the circle-level. Ornate designs can be seen on the outside of them in a cream colour, which connect to front of the balconies. — The theatre has 862 seats across four levels in the stalls, circle, amphitheatre, and gallery

Mr Shea said without people vocally supporting the theatre in the latter part of the last century the outcome could have been different.

"I think without acts like that, and without appeals, and publicity about what a gem we had behind the decay, it's possible the theatre could have been lost," he said.

Having been part of the team for more than 30 years now, he said the "amazing" space was "the best office".

Séamus Shea has worked at the theatre since the early 1990s

Séamus Shea Séamus Shea wears a blue shirt and black-rimmed glasses. He has grey hair and stands in front of two black backdrops backstage. You can also see boxes and props blurred out in the background. — Séamus Shea has worked at the theatre since the early 1990s

Wilson-White, who is head of culture and the arts at VillaGaiety, said it was now a space that was meant to be accessible for all Manx residents and visitors.

"We have people coming here for their first ever theatre show at four, but also coming at 94," she said.

"They're doing it in a place where for 125 years people from the Isle of Man have done that before them.

"They are following in a long line of audiences and I love seeing that play out almost every day in this building."

Sarah Wilson-White said she could not image the island without the Gaiety Theatre

Sarah Wilson-White sits on the green velvet seats of the stalls of the theatre. She has shoulder length brown hair, which is tied back. — Sarah Wilson-White said she could not image the island without the Gaiety Theatre

The ornate ceiling in the Gaiety was designed by architect Frank Matcham

The ornate designs of the ceiling of the Gaiety Theatre, its is mainly coloured cream and yellow. There are drawings featuring mythical beings, such a mermaid and a cherub. — The ornate ceiling in the Gaiety was designed by architect Frank Matcham

"This theatre has to exist because it has been at the heart of our community for 125 years and therefore its been at the heart of the stories we've told ourselves", Ms Wilson-White said.

"I couldn't imagine an Isle of Man without the Gaiety," she added.

The theatre, which has 862 seats across 4 levels, welcomed 78,470 visitors last year.

A bust of architect Frank Matcham was unveiled in the foyer following the theatre's refurbishment

MANX SCENES A bronze bust of Frank Matcham, which has short hair, a moustache and beard and is dressed in a jacket and tie. There is a large wooden framed mirror behind the bust which is showing a reflection of its back. The wall is covered in highly decorated green coloured wallpaper and there are wooden signs pointing to the seating areas on the right. — A bust of architect Frank Matcham was unveiled in the foyer following the theatre's refurbishment

Member of the department of Education, Sport and Culture Sarah Maltby MHK said the island was "incredibly lucky to have such a magnificent venue", which "really is a community asset".

"So many people are really fond of this place, it holds very special memories," she said.

She said it was really important to have a venue like it that was in "such good condition", which was "a testament" to the Friends of the Gaiety Theatre, known as the Fogs, others who played a key role in its restoration.

Sarah Maltby MHK said the government was committed to maintaining the theatre

Sarah Maltby wears a green top and silver necklace that is in the shape of the Isle of Man. She also wears dark glasses, and red lipstick and has short dark hair. The view of the theatre from the stage can be seen behind her. — Sarah Maltby MHK said the government was committed to maintaining the theatre

Maltby said Tynwald had an approved strategy for supporting arts and culture on the island, which included maintaining the building.

As part of that, a £1.6m investment was made in upgrading the sound and lighting equipment at the venue and the nearby Villa Marina.

"We do rely on the Fogs and volunteers who support the venue because they care so much, but it can't be all fundraising in the community, some of that has to come from Treasury," she said.

"The government is very fortunate to have those people and hopefully working together we can continue to see the place prosper for another 125 years."

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