Island’s newest theatre launches
GUERNSEY’S newest theatre space is being launched this week, as a ‘vital’ piece of the local theatre community’s jigsaw is put in place.
The Kerry Luscombe Studio Theatre, located at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts at Les Ozouets, will accommodate 60-80 audience members, depending on the seating configuration chosen by performers.
The first play to be staged at the new ‘black box’ studio theatre – Wasted, by Kae Tempest – will be the second production by Why Not? Productions, which staged Blink at the Fermain Tavern last year. It will feature a cast of three local actors under local first-time director Sydney Kathleen, who studied at the PRCPA during Kerry Luscombe’s time as its first centre manager.
‘I remember Kerry fondly,’ she said, ‘so to be able to have my directorial debut in a space commemorating her is something that’s really special.
‘We know that she was passionate about theatre and we feel we can justify the honour of helping to launch this studio – named after her – by being equally passionate about our work.’
PRCPA artistic director Oliver Davies said the new facility would fulfil a growing need.
‘Studio theatres are a vital part of any theatre-making community,’ he said.
‘They act as a sort of training ground for performers, producers and technicians. Currently this is only available in pub or bar settings locally, so being able to provide this space in a professional theatre setting is very exciting.’
A new seating system and lighting rig will offer more versatility for staging new work in a ‘dynamic space that will offer a home for new and emerging companies to develop their craft... as well as more established companies looking for a more intimate space,’ Mr Davies said.
‘Kerry always spoke of her passion for studio theatres and her desire to realise the full potential of the drama studio. Before she retired, Kerry was involved in the naming and branding of the studio and we hope it stands as a fitting memorial for someone who championed the performing arts here in Guernsey.’
The new KLST is located on the upper floor of the main PRCPA building, to the south of the main auditorium, which can seat up to 230. It is accessed through the same main entrance.
Mr Davies said the PRCPA was working closely with the Guernsey Institute team and the States to minimise the impact of the forthcoming development of the Les Ozouets campus and the intention is for the theatre to remain operational throughout.
n Why Not? Productions is staging Wasted, by Kae Tempest, at the Kerry Luscombe Studio Theatre from tomorrow until Saturday.
Tickets are £12.50 or £10 for concessions and can be bought at the PRCPA box office or via GuernseyTickets.gg.
