New manager hopes for more diverse audience
VIVYAN Ellacott has left some rather large shoes to fill – but new theatre manager Robert Jackson is confident his different approach will maintain the Kenneth More Theatre’s soaring success.
The 41-year-old, of Walthamstow, has a range of theatre triumphs under his belt and tried acting, directing and teaching before deciding the job at Ilford’s theatre was the starring role for him.
He said the character of the theatre was part of its attraction.
“It isn’t just a shell – it’s got a soul,” he said.
“I’m hoping to maintain it’s tradition, but I also want to be educating people – people who wouldn’t usually go to the theatre.
You may also want to watch:
“It might take a while for people to see the changes I make – we are already fully booked for shows until 2012.”
Robert said he loves all type of theatre and will continue to promote a range of shows at KMT.
Most Read
- 1 Best places to have a curry in Redbridge as chosen by readers
- 2 Medics treat six people after three-car crash in Ilford
- 3 Coffee fanatics to open 'lively' new café in Redbridge
- 4 Homebuilder steps back from proposals over rising projected costs
- 5 Three new items Redbridge residents can recycle
- 6 Valentines Park bench dedicated to couple described as 'pillars of community'
- 7 Ilford care home nominated for two national awards
- 8 Driver dies after Ilford shopfront crash
- 9 Man rushed to hospital after being robbed and stabbed in Ilford
- 10 Man dies after fall near Hainault station
He adds that he hopes the theatre’s audience will quickly come to reflect the borough’s multi-ethnic community and is particularly keen for Asian performance groups to come on board.
Encouraging more young people to flock to shows is also high on his list. “It’s incredibly important to do this,” he said.
“The theatre belongs to the people of Redbridge. My job is to make sure it’s serving them in the best possible way.”
For Robert, theatre is more than just a job.
“Finding drama and performing actually changed where I was going in life.
“I was the shy kid in the corner who wouldn’t say boo to a goose and then all of a sudden I got the stage bug.
“That’s why I’m really positive about children getting involved [in theatre]. I know the effects it can have on a person.”
