Following the news that Cllr George Brown had approved a delegated decision to sell Ryde Theatre for £300,000, a vacuum was left as to who will actually be buying it.
No more. It’s now been disclosed that Phantom Productions, a company owned by 25-year old Joe Gladdis, will take it over.
“I am working with some very well know promoters and event organisers”, he told OnTheWight, to “really make the theatre something special with regards to bringing big names over the water”.
“Clear plans”
Joe told the CP, “I have clear plans and am currently working with some very experienced professionals who are equally as passionate about creating something very special at Ryde Theatre.
“The theatre is a magnificent building but it does need a significant amount of work and commitment to bring it back to its former glory.”
Much-missed venue
The news that someone will finally re-open the much-missed venue will be a huge relief to the vast majority of Islanders.
A venue of that size and character has been desperately needed since the idea of closure was first floated by Cllr David Pugh and his party more than five years ago, in July 2007. This led to it being put up for sale less than two years later, in April 2009.
Update 17:39: Added quotes from Joe Gladdis.
Image: Rob Gallop under CC BY 2.0
