Just over a week ago, Lynda Fleming, Mayor of Shanklin had the proud task of signing the legal paperwork on behalf of Shanklin Theatre Ltd for the temporary lease of Shanklin Theatre.
Readers will remember that the Isle of Wight Council decided to dispose of the theatre from their property portfolio at the Cabinet meeting in January.
A newly formed community group had agreed to take over the running of the theatre and that is exactly what has now happened.
The theatre will re-open later this week with their first production (The Best of the West End) which starts this Thursday (running every Thursday until 15th July).
Busy couple of weeks
Judging by the Friends of Shanklin Website, it’s been a busy couple of weeks at the theatre.
While all the equipment had been left in the Theatre, all the administration had, of necessity been removed.
The past week has been hectic to say the least. Tickets have been designed, ordered and printed. A full survey of the emergency equipment has been carried out.
Volunteers have been notified and trained, and a programme for their attendance has been compiled. One or two small defects have been identified and repaired. In fact, we’re now ready to go. None too soon either.
We wish all those involved the very best of luck and hope that the Island community get behind the new group to help them make a success of Shanklin Theatre under new management.
