Theatre looks to future after a ‘dramatic’ year (From Craven Herald)

Theatre looks to future after a ‘dramatic’ year

9:00am Friday 3rd August 2012 in News By Lindsey Moore, Deputy Editor

Locals turned out in force to support the Skipton and Craven Culture Company at its first annual general meeting.

The charity runs the Mart Theatre, which was on the brink of closing earlier this year after failing to win Arts Council funding.

But it is now looking to the future.

“It was such a great feeling to see so many people wanting to get involved and enthusing about the work of The Mart Theatre,” said creative director Clare Allen.

“Clearly this is a well-loved and valued community theatre and its future looks very bright.”

The AGM saw the hand-over of the chairmanship from James Paton to Andrew Lynan.

Mr Paton said: “The first year of the new voluntary organisation running the Mart Theatre has been a very dramatic one, which may be apt for a theatre! Despite the previous challenges, the potential and excitement of reaching new heights and audiences is all there. Now is the time for the community to really get behind its theatre.”

The theatre offers a diverse range of professional productions, workshops and events, including theatre, family shows, stand-up comedy, music, children’s workshops and has played host to famous faces including Alan Carr and Michael McIntyre.

In 2006, former creative director Anthea Rathlin-Jones launched Art in the Pen, which has become one of the north’s leading art fairs.

The seventh Art in the Pen will be held over the weekend of August 18 and 19.

The incoming chairman has worked with the Mart Theatre since the beginning. As the theatre’s resident director of youth theatre and workshops, he knows the theatre better than anyone.

“The venue isn’t just a space for hire,” he said.

“Art is created here. The theatre has recently piloted its first in-house production which we hope to fully launch in 2013.

“The theatre is also an ‘ArtsAward’ centre which can offer qualifications to people aged from seven to 25.”

For details of upcoming shows, visit themarttheatre.org.uk