As every long-distance runner, cyclist or swimmer knows, the last bit of the journey is the worst. You’ve had your second wind; you’ve hit the wall; but you’ve still got a little way to go.
It’s the same with building a new theatre. I am now in Year 9 of the project to create a new Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Our official opening night is on 4 October. We will be ready, but as we finish the course I’m feeling amazed at how we got here.
Be big about asking
Our parents, heroes and gurus all told us: “Never be afraid to ask.” I’ve spent my career running theatres so what did I know about building a new one? It was essential to recognise that neither I nor anyone else involved in managing The Marlowe could replace it without asking consultants who had been there, done it and knew the moves. So we did. And we worked with many of them: on feasibility studies, on architectural possibilities, on market analysis, on programming development, on economic impact issues, on capital fundraising strategies, even on the ethereal subject of what kind of theatre will people be going to in 20 years’ time.
They all helped. Everyone contributed to our collective thinking about what kind of new theatre we wanted for our community. What sort of building would it be. What it would do. How much it would cost to build and run.
Architects are difficult. But worth it!
We put huge effort into preparing our brief for the new theatre and then in selecting the architect that we could all believe in and get behind. The new Marlowe will be Keith Williams’ third new theatre after the Unicorn Theatre for Children and Wexford Opera House. He was chosen from a flatteringly strong field.
Recognise that with an architect you are buying a vision and although you are right to argue over vital details (eg drinks shelves in our case) the wise client buys into the overall package and goes with the architect’s flow. These people know what they are doing! I believe the new Marlowe will be the most stunning regional theatre in the UK as a result.
Mark Everett is Theatre Director of the Marlowe Theatre.