Arts Blurb Interview With Chelmsford Theatres

The Civic Theatre in Chelmsford reaches a rather important milestone this year, and will be celebrating 50 years of serving up entertainment to the people of Chelmsford in September. Before all the theatre staff are too busy eating birthday cake, I managed to quiz Beth Walker, Press and Publicity Officer for Chelmsford Theatres. Read on to find out what she emailed me about how theatre programming works, life in the theatre, and what the council have planned for the Civic Theatre’s big birthday celebrations.

1. What in a nutshell, is your overall aim with the theatre programmes you create each season?

We try to put on a wide range of shows so that there is something for everybody to enjoy.

2. How does the job of theatre programming work? do shows come to you or is it the other way round?

It’s both really, it’s a bit like shopping, browsing around, researching what’s available and touring at the time that’s being programmed. We also look at and consult with, other theatres, to see what they have booked, and what has been popular.

3. I went to the American Anthems show recently and was surprised the audience mostly seemed older than me. Have the shows you put on thrown up any surprises in terms of audience/demand? are there any sure-fire hits?

Theatre-goers 50+ do tend to be the majority audience. Sports speakers, comedians and specialised evenings attract a more varied age range. There are always surprises, and a number of reliably successful shows. Children’s shows are always a hit with family audiences, and the Burlesque evenings have also been tremendously successful. There’s another one coming up on 22 September.

4. In fantasyland, is there anyone or anything you’d like to see grace the Civic or Cramphorn stages?

Personally or professionally? Two different things! Although Joe Pasquale is one of the favourites to visit the theatre.

5. We hear you’re celebrating a big birthday this year, what have you got planned to celebrate?

Yes, the Civic Theatre celebrates its 50^th anniversary this September. In celebration the theatre will be hosting an open day on Saturday 8 September, with lots of interesting things to see and do. There will be live performances throughout the day, music from the Civic bar that will be open for refreshments throughout, tours of the rarely seen backstage area, a collection of historical archives along with all kinds of great things for everybody to enjoy. We’ll be announcing more details as activities get booked!

6. I notice you schedule in seasons, does the time of year effect which shows are on much?

The main effect is that warmer weather generally means slightly lower audiences, whereas cooler weather makes for larger audiences. Therefore the number of shows varies throughout the year. There are also periods within the seasons that are more popular than others. This is also reflected in the product that is available. It’s a bit chicken and egg – it’s a question of whether it’s either venues or artists leading, or if it is audience led.

7. Have you any funny stories to tell of life at the theatre?

Pantomime season always brings lots of funny stories. The theatre becomes filled with a harem of actors, dancers, choreographers, and crew, all adorned with sequins and sparkle (well maybe not the technical crew). But as the saying says, what goes on backstage during panto, stays backstage at panto. Especially secrets about how Aladdin’s flying carpet flew across the stage, or how Prince Charming was thrown onto the ground by the evil witch Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty!

8. We’ve noticed quite a few comedians visiting the theatre for warm-up shows etc. Is comedy one area you’d like to develop more of? is there anything else you’d like to expand?

Well it’s the secret of our success… put a well-known comedian on and they will sell-out! Producers want theatres they can rely on, to provide a safe platform for upcoming artists. We can provide this, and therefore become more popular with more producers, so we also get big names too! We like to be able to develop upcoming comedians and the Cramphorn is ideal for this. We hope to be become more popular with contemporary, cutting-edge drama. It is not any more expensive to put on than popular drama with household names, but a lot riskier for audiences to consider coming to see.

9. Are there any upcoming shows/productions, you’d like to highlight for our blog readers to look out for?

The month of May is jam-packed full of loads of great stuff. Joe Pasquale and Robert Powell are starring in a stage version of the popular sitcom Doctor In The House from 30 April – 5 May. Local folk rocksters Mawkin are appearing at the Cramphorn on 5 May. There’s some of the cutting edge drama we talk about in a new gritty production of Macbeth on 9 May and a Harold Pinter double bill with The Dumb Waiter and The Lover on 16 May.

More music comes in the form of Jackson Live (12 May), one of the best Michael Jackson impersonators on the scene, a Vision of Elvis will be appearing on 31 May and another great tribute act comes when Garfunkel and Simon visit the Civic on 24 May. And if you’re a ukulele player you will love D’Ukes on 26 May. They’re even doing a ukulele workshop in the afternoon. All standards welcome. So as you can see, there’s a hefty amount of great events going on. To see all that’s on offer and to book tickets online people can visit our website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres.