‘Bums on Seats’ Shows Secure Venue’s Future

By Simon Parker

O liver and The Importance Of Being Earnest may not have been the most groundbreaking choices for a Cornish theatre’s summer programme – but their inclusion seems certain to have ensured the financially- troubled venue’s survival.

With a staff made up entirely of volunteers, Sterts at Upton Cross on Bodmin Moor has managed to pull off what many thought was an impossible feat – a successful summer season, increased ticket sales despite the weather, and financial security for at least another year.

Under the leadership of Steve Jefferies – chairman of the management board at Sterts – actors, directors, musicians, technicians, administrative staff and a whole range of other unpaid helpers have succeeded in keeping the canopied amphitheatre afloat.

During an emotional speech after the final performance of the popular Lionel Bart-penned adaptation of the Dickens novel, Dr Jefferies paid tribute to all those who had helped in pulling the venue back from the brink.

He announced to a capacity audience that Oliver had played a major part in relieving the financial crisis at the theatre, thanking the army of volunteers, the huge cast and their supportive families, local people and visitors who braved the rain to attend, and paying particular tribute to the show’s director, Andrew Hawkins.

Dr Jefferies, who also directed and took a small part in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance Of Being Earnest, said later: “When the season began at the end of May, we were all concerned that this would be our last.

“However, thanks to unprecedented coverage in the Western Morning News, local press and on radio and television we have been able to get the message across to the public that it really was a case of ‘use it or lose it’.

“The public response has been phenomenal and only demonstrates the affection and high regard in which Sterts is held by the local community.

“Despite an appalling summer, the programme has attracted many newcomers who have discovered the delights on offer at this unique venue and have returned to see other shows.”

As well as in-house shows, this summer’s programme also featured productions by Cornish companies Miracle Theatre and C-Scape, appearances by visiting companies of everything from A Comedy Of Errors to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and music from Polperro Fishermen’s Choir, The Mediaeval Baebes, Ellingtonia Big Band and the Tashi Lhunpo Tibetan monks.

This autumn, the venue’s indoor studio will host a production of Macbeth by Fast Forward Theatre, Adolf by Pip Utton, music from singer-songwriter Louis Eliot and Braga Tanga Salsa Band, as well as a number of folk music and film nights.

And plans are already in hand for the 2009 season.

“First we need to take stock and look at what we have done well and how we can improve,” said Dr Jefferies. “There is an autumn programme taking shape and next June Sterts will be actively involved in the Phoenix 100 project, which will explore and celebrate the rich mining tradition in the Caradon area.

“As part of the wider project a new play has been commissioned to be staged at Sterts. This will be a big community project.

“In addition, we intend to put on another season of high quality entertainment to suit all tastes.

“However, Sterts still has significant loans to be paid and, without financial assistance, the long term future of the theatre remains uncertain. We need to build on this year’s success and keep reminding the public that we need their support.”

For more details of Sterts’ activities call 01579-362382 or visit www.sterts.co.uk

(c) 2008 Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.