What were your aims in the
beginning when you started the theatre? We wanted to create a professional
performance space that was accessible to a diverse community, and with
shows that followed our mission of programming brave, inspiring and
engaging performances. We also wanted it create a space where the local community
could feel it was their theatre, and an extension of the wonderful atmosphere
created downstairs in The Western.
Have you achieved all you
wanted with Upstairs at The Western? Yes and no; we never thought we'd be where
we are now when we first programmed the pilot season back in March 2013, with a
makeshift stage built on empty beer barrels. It has taken many, many hours of
many people's time - freely given - to get the venue to where it is now, along
with invaluable support from Steamin' Billy Brewery Company Ltd, Leicester City
Council and Westcotes Community First. We've built up a loyal and
knowledgeable audience through a team of dedicated volunteers. There is still
a lot that can be done though, and a new team can bring fresh eyes and ideas to
the space.
What are you most proud
of? Which productions? Difficult question as there have been so many wonderful
shows! In terms of really satisfying moments, seeing the comedy
workshoppers overcome their fears and create and perform stand up routines to a
paying audience has been great. Welcoming performers like Dave Bartram,
Geoffrey Holland and Cathy Tyson to the venue has been thrilling and brilliant
fun. Overall though, my own satisfaction comes from sitting up at the back of
the theatre, watching a show, the lights coming up once the performance
has ended and hearing the audience talk about what they've just experienced. A
shared experience.
What do you hope for the
future of the theatre? We hope that people will continue to come and be
entertained, whatever direction that takes, that it will continue to grow and
firmly embed itself into the fabric of Leicester's West End.
Is Steaming Billy
committed to supporting the theatre in the future? They have been a great
support so far and are keen for the venue to continue; it is such a unique and
valuable asset to the pub and the area.
Why have you decided to
move on? We, that is Gary, Verity and myself, feel we have gone as far as we
can with the venue. Lives change and it is such a big commitment to maintain
the standards we have set ourselves. Much as it feels like a big wrench at the
moment, we hope to see the venue thrive and flourish with a new team, whoever they
may be. This is a great opportunity to develop the space - whether that is
continuing to programme theatre, comedy, spoken word and music which all work
so well, or to focus on a new direction - but this will be something for the
new team to embrace and develop.
What sort of people are
you looking to take over the reins? Of course, we hope someone with a
love of performance and the arts will come forward, but if anyone is interested
in finding out more about the theatre and what's involved, come along to the
public meeting at the venue on Tuesday 11 October at 7.30pm.
First published in Western Gazette
and Pub Theatre Blog
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