Garrison Theatre

Location: Lerwick, Shetland
Capacity: 280
Programme: Music, theatre, film, dance, pantomime
 

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

My personal vision for the Garrison is that it should create a ripple effect through the community, with people being touched in different ways by what is going on there, whether by attending an event themselves or having friends and family performing on the stage.

I would like to see the Garrison as a vibrant community asset, enriching and enlightening the local community. The Garrison Theatre is Shetland’s only performance venue and therefore has to be a lot of things for different sections of the community. Last year the venue attracted over 35,000 people through the door.

There are certain fixed features about the programme, including the Drama Festival, where local groups and schools perform on a competitive and non competitive basis. Local amateur companies also use the venue about 16 weeks of the year for plays, musicals, and – of course – the annual pantomime, which is performed by two different companies on an alternate basis.

There is currently no cinema in Shetland; consequently, the Garrison shows films on a monthly basis in partnership with Filmobile. This is very popular with audiences, and accounts for a large percentage of attendances.

Shetland’s rich musical culture is also reflected on the stage at the Garrison with a variety of music concerts for tourists and locals alike.  Young people have the opportunity to take to the stage from an early age in a variety of forms, including the Drama Festivals, Schools Drama Groups, or featuring in shows emanating from Dance Classes in the Community Centre, which the Islesburgh Trust also runs.

The Visiting Company programme from the mainland supplies variety and tries to fill some of the gaps.  Most of the leading Scottish companies have been up here, along with companies from all over, including from Scandinavian countries (given Shetland’s proximity to them).

The only problem at the Garrison is there is no space for a bar or social facilities, so it is just a case of people coming to see the performance and out the door again. Which is a pity…however we continue to put on a diverse programme of work to attract as many people to the venue as we can. I would like to continue to do this, and would like to see the Garrison’s role recognised for what it adds to the quality of life for the people of Shetland, who cannot always access the mainland for live performances.

Noelle Henderson, Arts and Tourism Manager

Noelle Henderson comes up with the answers to the Arts Journal’s regular questions.

Arts Journal: When was the venue established?

Noelle: It was built as a Drill Hall and gymnasium and taken over in 1942 by ENSA to entertain the troops.  In the 50s and 60s it was owned by the Council and programmed by Islesburgh Drama Group and an Entertainments Committee who raised money to put on shows and thereafter developed as the Garrison Theatre.  It is now owned by the Islesburgh Trust.

AJ: What famous names have taken to the stage?

Noelle: Over the years Lewis Collins, Billy Connolly, Anne Charleston (Madge from Neighbours), Eddie Izzard, Allan Cumming, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Andy Shepherd, Ken Dodd, Aly Bain.

AJ: What are your big ideas for the future of the venue?

Noelle: My ideas for the future are to continue to attract and build audiences for shows where people might take a chance and come and see something they wouldn’t normally see. Also, to develop the idea that once companies are on the island to maximise their particular skills and in some way transfer them to the local community through a workshop programme, and also outreach to the schools and involving teachers and education practitioners. I’d also like to develop the idea of touring within the islands so that not everything is Lerwick-based, working with community halls and other local organisations involved in promotion.

AJ: Does the venue have a ghost?

Noelle: Yes. There are various stories about it – some say it’s a female but are not sure who, and others say he is called Roddy, but not sure who he is!

AJ: What was your worst disaster?

Noelle: The biggest disaster in my eyes is when after all the planning and organising a company cannot get here for the weather, and nothing happens. Equally when you don’t get the audiences you want.

AJ: And what was your biggest triumph?

Noelle: I must be a bit sad, because there are lots of things I count as triumphs! After all, I am working from the premise that if I can put a sparkle in one person’s eye then that is a triumph!

AJ: If you could have any artist in the world for a one off special, who would it be, and why?

Noelle: If I could have anything it would be big and the real thing, for example, a West End Show direct from West End with original cast etc., or a full size orchestra (not just the touring bits!), a full opera or ballet – and since we’re getting carried away, something involving a trapeze!

AJ: Why should people look forward to visiting your venue?

Noelle: People should look forward to visiting the Garrison as there is a sense of occasion. Due to limited resources every show is special, and as with any live performance, you never know what you’re going to get.  I think there is also this sense in Shetland that we are so far away we really welcome anyone who would like to make the journey. Generally, the artists who come to Shetland come because they have a notion to, and usually get something out of it themselves as well as giving something (hopefully positive and memorable) to our audiences.