After receiving an invite to visit the Isle of Man to get a better idea of what their arts scene has to offer , I couldn’t refuse! On Monday 8thAugust, I made my way to the Island via the Isle of Man Steam Packet Ferry Company where I was greeted by Erin, a member of the Locate Isle of Man team.
Seeing as my stay was a short one, I had a packed itinerary starting off with a brief tour on Tuesday 9th August of the Island where I was given a brief tour of Douglas, the island’s capital by Abi of Locate Isle of Man, where I passed the scenic Port Erin which offers a wide range of water sports to part take in and offering a great way to enjoy the glorious weather! Bradda Head, most commonly known as Erin Port Castle located on the cliffs of Port Erin which can be seen at a distance is a fascinating landmark to be explored if you wish to. Remains of Castle Rushen, also a great stop off point if you wish to take in the island’s medieval history.
I then went on to meet Head of Culture and Arts Emma Callin and Arts Development Manager Jane Corkill at the Arts Council, who both informed me of the Island’s community spirit, the arts buildings that shape what theatre looks like and The National Strategy – a six point agenda consisting of 6 key points that tie the Island’s traditional Manx heritage with a future focused, progressive outlook. Both charismatic in their outlook and enthusiastic in where they see the island’s art’s life moving forward, the meeting was an inspiring one!
I was then guided around the Victorian built Gaiety Theatre designed by celebrated architect Frank Matcham, who’s responsible for the designs of multiple UK based theatres including the Hackney Empire, Palladium and the Coliseum. The Grade II listed building seats 900 audience members, has an impressive, spacious proscenium arched stage and a backstage area with technologies that although are not in use, serve as a reminder of previous performances and traditions. I concluded the evening watching a performance of 42nd Street produced by local theatre company Taylorian Productions which was brilliantly put together and uplifting. A timely piece, adapted from Rian James’ filmic version in the 1930s, the 1980s staged musical version by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, with lyrics from Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer and music by Harry Warren has continued to entertain audiences and grace our stages – a production situated in the rehearsal room of a Broadway show, 42nd Street concerns itself with the staging of a production amidst the height of the Great Depression – a time period we can directly draw parallels to. Despite the heaviness of what’s happening societally, the show engages, the energy of a rehearsal room, despite all of the negativity happening around, the true winner of the day! I then visited the cast and crew at the end of the show who were all very welcoming – briefly explaining their creative process from page to stage, which started for them in March, and involved a quick tap dance turn around, I’m again left inspired!
On Wednesday 10thAugust, I concluded my trip at Kensington Arts, a multi-purpose arts building supporting various artists and non artists part take in a range of classes from art, to music, to theatre, their Creative Development Co-Ordinator Peter Shimmin further explaining his inspiring vision for the building and the idea that the arts are for all, whether you’re actively trying to pursue a career in the arts, or solely enjoy taking part in classes for well-being, it’s clear that what binds all when visiting Kensington Arts is a shared love of the arts!
Thank you to the Isle of Man for being very welcoming and guiding me around!
Written by Lucy Basaba.
To find out more about Locate Isle of Man, visit here…
To find out more about Arts Council, Isle of Man, visit here…
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