June 2003: Venue of the Month (2)

Colin: The venue opened in 1976. This followed a great saga of strong support and opposition from different sectors of the public and local council.

What famous names have taken to the stage over the years?

Colin: There have been so many! Dionne Warwick, Adam Cooper, The Smiths, Eddie Izzard, Billy Boyd, Ardal o’Hanlon, Jools Holland, Mark Little, Terry Waites, David Essex, Belinda Carlisle, Sir Simon Rattle, Texas, Siobhan Redmond, Daniel O’ Donnell, Don Williams, Blazin’ Squad and Ken Dodd to name but a few.

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

Colin: I hope to undertake an ambitious building programme for Eden Court. We would hope to add a second theatre, two new cinemas and some dedicated teaching spaces as well as modern offices and dressing rooms, upgrading all our catering facilities and providing good access for patrons with disabilities.

Does the venue have a ghost?

Colin: Yes, there is a well documented ghost known as the Green Lady who haunts the older part of the building (the “Bishop’s Palace” which dates from 1878). She is rumoured to be the wife of the one of the Bishops who hung herself in the building – although we can find no evidence of a Bishop and wife that could fit this story.

What was your worst disaster as director?

Colin: During the 2001 pantomime “Aladdin” the walls at the front of the theatre were being repaired when they were found to be in an unstable state. We had to close the theatre for three days and cancel 5 performances of the pantomime – which was sold out.

And what was your biggest triumph?

Colin: It is very difficult to choose one event that stands out – artistically attracting companies like Northern Ballet and artists like Dionne Warwick is always exciting but I think I am prouder of having brought a period of stability to Eden Court after years of uncertainty and of the way the staff have worked to deliver that.

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

A scene from Madame Butterfly by Northern Ballet Theatre, which will visit Eden Court in July 2003

Colin: For Eden Court I would like to bring the Royal National Theatre or the Royal Shakespeare Company because there are members of the audience who would love to see these companies and it would help put Eden Court on the map for other companies from south of the border.

Personally, the artist I would like at Eden Court for a one off special is Kylie Minogue. She understands the need for pop music to be of the moment, and that image and performance are every bit as much of the art as the music. She is the master of disposable music (I mean that in a good way).

Why should people look forward to visiting Eden Court?

Colin: For different reasons – depending on what they like. I hope that everyone can always find at least one thing in our programme to attract them. Once they’re here I believe that we look after our audiences well and that our technical staff always present the shows well.

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