Rick Stanbridge is one of the key players in keeping live music alive on the Wight. Along with a handful of others, against the odds, they have worked incredibly hard over the last 2-3 years to try and ensure that Ryde Theatre remains open. Read on to hear his views of the current situation and watch a video created by Stu Ballingall of action at Ryde Theatre. Ed
Since our role in saving the place began, we’re pleased to say that we increased roster activity by 400%.
However, since the appointment of new management, it seems that Making Waves is the only night ticking the place over now.
Being honest, with the poor overall attendance at these nights, with little else booked and a rumour from IW radio DJ Alex Dyke that he knows the place will be shut by Xmas, we wonder if again other forces are at hand against our positive crusade.
Well here’s some memories below and that’s just the beginning of the archive that has been built up in the last 2.5 years, proving beyond doubt the cultural need of this fine venue.
With more people looking at Isle of Wight music than ever before, we think it’s opportunities missed that there is not more support across the community and the council may actually prefer the theatre to peter out so they can plant some fine retail for our skint pockets to look at!
More gigs means more opportunity for community gatherings, more charity events and more talent improving themselves. The positivity stretches on and on.
We thank everyone who has been involved in helping the vibe and hope the bands who have taken part have got something positive in the way of interviews for radio & recordings to use as demo’s/myspace etc.
Also, the big stage with foldback, engineers and even your name flashed bout the web and on real posters!
Please take a look around the Development Suite site, in our blogs and on the replies to our blogs for lots of audio visual goodies.
Plenty more to come! Big thanks to people who have posted to youtube, Roger the Regular, Charr for your pics and Jez for visuals that have helped document such continuous activity.
One1sland under A Groove! Communal spirit!
