Sir Ian McKellen to reopen Devon theatre under new management
A giant of stage and screen will reopen one of Devon's most recognisable theatres as a new management company takes the reins.
Sir Ian McKellen will perform his one-man show "Tolkien, Shakespeare and You!" at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe in March.
What's more, all the proceeds from the show are being donated to the theatre and will be used to refurbish the bar and restaurant.
It's all part of the big plans for both the Landmark and Queens Theatre in Barnstaple which will soon be run by a new company.
Selladoor Worldwide have successfully tendered to run the North Devon Theatres for the next 10 years, taking over from Parkwood Theatres in January 2019.
Both theatres had been run by a charitable trust until January 2017 when they closed suddenly and the North Devon Theatres Trust went into administration.
Dozens of employees were left without jobs and more than 1,500 ticket holders were left out of pocket.
Parkwood Theatres initially took over the management of the theatres in April 2017 but their contract was extended to January 2019.
Despite tendering for the contract to run the theatres, Parkwood were unsuccessful and Selladoor Worldwide will now take over next year.
Founded by avid theatre fans David Hutchinson and Philip Rowntree, Selladoor Worldwide has big plans for the theatres - particularly the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe.
Speaking to Devon Live, Philip Rowntree said he was very excited about the Landmark - which was famously compared to Madonna's bra when it first opened.
He said: "The Landmark is one of the most beautiful theatres in a stunning location.
"It is the perfect space for family theatre and drama and we are hoping to bring and develop lots of shows there. There will even be a chance for staff to get involved.
"We are well aware that there hasn't been much happening there for a while but we plan to really focus on that.
"Anyone could come along and book shows into the Queens Theatre but our excitement is really for the Landmark."
Philip says there is a "strong sense of family" in Ilfracombe and says Selladoor is keen to make the most of the theatre all-year round.
He said: "One of the first things we are planning to do is refurbish the bar and restaurant at the Landmark.
"We want to get it open regularly for people to enjoy - it has an unrivalled view.
"We plan to serve teas, coffees and simple food - and we won't be shutting the bar during the second act.
"We want people to stay with us and avoid the mass exodus to Wetherspoons.
" We also want to start talking to local beer, food and ice cream producers about how we can get their products into the theatres."
Another element which Selladoor hope to bring back to the Landmark is the community aspect.
Philip said: "We have already chatted to some key players in local community groups and theatre companies - we want them back in the theatre.
"We are open to theatre academy groups, maybe yoga classes or baby groups - anything like that really.
"We understand that the current prices (for renting the space) put a lot of people off, but we are hoping to make it a bit more affordable.
"The theatres belong to the people and if they feel they haven't got access to them then we haven't done our job properly.
"Neither theatre can survive with us just booking shows, that's not how it works.
"We need to engage with the community - we want them to use the buildings."
Selladoor also have plans for the more established Queens Theatre in Barnstaple, including "brightening up" the bar area and opening the restaurant and cafe more often.
The firm will create 21 full time jobs at the theatres and say existing staff will be retained.
However, Philip said that a programming schedule may take time to warm up.
He said: "Although we take over the theatres on January 12, we will inherit and honour the schedule that had been booked by Parkwood.
"However, we will be opening the Landmark with a real bang as Sir Ian McKellen brings his one man show to the theatre on March 25.
"All the proceeds from his tour are going back to the local theatres, so the money we make from that will go towards the refurbishments to the bar and cafe."
Mark Kentell, Contracts Delivery Manager at North Devon Council, said: “Selladoor are an exciting, dynamic theatre company with fresh ideas and a firm commitment to making both of our theatres successes in their own right.
"We can look forward to thriving theatres in both Ilfracombe and Barnstaple with shows produced at the Landmark touring internationally. Selladoor are everything I’d hoped for in a theatre operator and I’m so pleased to welcome them to North Devon.”
The grand opening of The Landmark, having been under used for a number of years, will be on 25March 2019 when Ian McKellen will open the theatre with his one man show.
The Ballot for tickets is open from today on www.landmark-ilfracombe.com
Sir Ian McKellen said: “My current UK tour with my new solo show is visiting many places I know well but this is my first time playing in Ilfracombe.
"It’s a happy opportunity to celebrate my 80th birthday by relaunching this well loved local theatre.”
Selladoor Worldwide began its life as Sell a Door Theatre Company in 2009, developing rapidly under co-founders David Hutchinson (CEO) and Phillip Rowntree (CFO).
Here's how the company describe themselves: "Selladoor has established itself as a leading producer of mid- and large-scale touring theatre, with an ever-increasing international presence.
"From the very outset, Selladoor Worldwide’s aim has been to make accessible work for our audiences, and their experience is at the heart of the company’s artistic planning.
"Our objective is to continue to encourage the next generation of theatregoers, primarily young and adult audiences, and first-time attendees. Our education programmes and online presence endeavour to provide the most comprehensive experience of our productions possible.
"Our origins lie in re-imagined classics and new commissions which we continue to champion to this day. We are able to create a varied and distinctive programme; large-scale commercial touring is complimented by the company’s not-for-profit routes and ongoing investment and development of new work.
"As a company operating across a range of scales we continue to deliver and invest in our regional and international patron base, as well as our product.
"Selladoor are thrilled with the variety of work in production, and remain committed to creating daring, diverse and dynamic productions that are accessible to all."
In 2017-18 Selladoor Worldwide’s slate of productions included: Big Fish The Musical (The Other Palace, London); The Crucible (UK Tour); Fame The Musical (30 Anniversary Tour); Flashdance The Musical (UK & International Tours); Footloose The Musical (2 UK Tour); Kindertransport (25Anniversary Tour); Guess How Much I Love You (UK & International Tours); Jersey Boys (International Tour); Madagascar The Musical (UK Tour); Of Mice and Men (UK Tour); The Producers (International Tour); Rock of Ages (UK Tour); Spamalot (UK Tour); The Very Hungry Caterpillar (DR2 Theatre, New York City); The Wizard of Oz (Winter Gardens, Blackpool).
