Noelle Henderson, Arts and Tourism Manager

Noelle Henderson comes up with the answers to the Arts Journal’s regular questions
 

Arts Journal: When was the venue established?

Noelle: It was built as a Drill Hall and gymnasium and taken over in 1942 by ENSA to entertain the troops.  In the 50s and 60s it was owned by the Council and programmed by Islesburgh Drama Group and an Entertainments Committee who raised money to put on shows and thereafter developed as the Garrison Theatre.  It is now owned by the Islesburgh Trust.
 

AJ: What famous names have taken to the stage?

Noelle: Over the years Lewis Collins, Billy Connolly, Anne Charleston (Madge from Neighbours), Eddie Izzard, Allan Cumming, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Andy Shepherd, Ken Dodd, Aly Bain.
 

AJ: What are your big ideas for the future of the venue?

Noelle: My ideas for the future are to continue to attract and build audiences for shows where people might take a chance and come and see something they wouldn’t normally see. Also, to develop the idea that once companies are on the island to maximise their particular skills and in some way transfer them to the local community through a workshop programme, and also outreach to the schools and involving teachers and education practitioners. I’d also like to develop the idea of touring within the islands so that not everything is Lerwick-based, working with community halls and other local organisations involved in promotion.
 

AJ: Does the venue have a ghost?

Noelle: Yes. There are various stories about it – some say it's a female but are not sure who, and others say he is called Roddy, but not sure who he is!
 

AJ: What was your worst disaster?

Noelle: The biggest disaster in my eyes is when after all the planning and organising a company cannot get here for the weather, and nothing happens. Equally when you don’t get the audiences you want.
 

AJ: And what was your biggest triumph?

Noelle: I must be a bit sad, because there are lots of things I count as triumphs! After all, I am working from the premise that if I can put a sparkle in one person’s eye then that is a triumph!
 

AJ: If you could have any artist in the world for a one off special, who would it be, and why?

Noelle: If I could have anything it would be big and the real thing, for example, a West End Show direct from West End with original cast etc., or a full size orchestra (not just the touring bits!), a full opera or ballet – and since we’re getting carried away, something involving a trapeze!
 

AJ: Why should people look forward to visiting your venue?

Noelle: People should look forward to visiting the Garrison as there is a sense of occasion. Due to limited resources every show is special, and as with any live performance, you never know what you’re going to get.  I think there is also this sense in Shetland that we are so far away we really welcome anyone who would like to make the journey. Generally, the artists who come to Shetland come because they have a notion to, and usually get something out of it themselves as well as giving something (hopefully positive and memorable) to our audiences.