When enterprising young theatre maker Jez Bond had the opportunity to build a smart new theatre behind Finsbury Park tube station he knew he'd need a lot of influential friends.
It's been extraordinary how successful he's been in involving all sorts of people from the industry, right from the beginning when may of us were invited to presentations of the plans and even site visits during the building process.
The result is a lovely, smart yet informal, welcoming venue containing two studio theatre style spaces, which has maintained a consistently high standard of production despite the high rents producers must find to play there.
But running a theatre and raising the money to keep it running doesn't stop on the first day of business so it's great that the friendships Bond made during the venue's development are still blossoming and celebrities are still collaborating with him to keep funding buoyant.
Today the venue announced a considerable coup. Superstar actor Sir Ian McKellen has opted to premiere his new one man show at the theatre.
It's entitled SHAKESPEARE, TOLKIEN, OTHERS & YOU and he'll be performing it MON 3 – SUN 9 JULY 2017 in the "PARK200" space, when the actor knight will be directed by Bond himself.
We're promised McKellen will be "Guiding audiences through some of the most exciting pages and stages of the last fifty years, Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others & You will offer a rare chance to see the multi-award winning and twice Oscar nominated actor perform in the intimate surroundings of Park Theatre. Over nine special performances from one of the world's finest actors, Sir Ian will reprise some of his renowned performances, from Gandalf to Macbeth. Audiences will have opportunities to ask questions and participate in the performance, as well as hearing Sir Ian discuss his work with other notable actors and directors. An intimate and unforgettable evening with one of the world’s finest actors"
There'll also be all sorts of chances to boost the fundraising coffers by purchasing luxury catering for your visit and by buying memorabilia from the actors long career.
It's all in a very good cause so book today for a close encounter with a legend.
Sir Ian McKellen said: “I’m performing at Park Theatre to help raise funds for the charity. In a short time the theatre has established itself on both the theatrical and local maps. But with no public subsidy for core costs they need to bring in donations of around £250,000 every year just to keep the doors open. The monies raised from the higher ticket prices for this production will support their core ambition of producing accessible theatre throughout the coming years and furthering their work with the local community. A number of £10 seats will also be available on the day. I do hope you’ll support this wonderful cause.”
Artistic Director Jez Bond said: “As one of our country’s leading actors, I can’t imagine there is anyone better placed to understand both the power and importance of smaller scale theatres and the challenges they face. Ian has been a staunch supporter since the building was a hard-hat site – and I continue to be grateful for and humbled by his incredible generosity. He has donated his time to help raise vital funds by performing this show – and I am honoured to be working with him to bring it to the stage.”
If you ask most people who work in the theatre they’ll tell you they hate the system whereby shows are allocated a quality rating of 1 – 5 stars. It means audiences make a snap judgement based on the scoring and don’t take time to consider the content of the review and decide for themselves whether they’ll enjoy a production or not.