The Bard in your Backyard

In the first of a new series of features from the Arts Officers around the Highlands and Islands, Moray’s NICK FEARNE provides an insider’s view on how the Royal Shakespeare Company formed their ongoing love affair with Forres.

THE WAITING IS OVER ….

Let me take you back, back to the new millennium – well, 2001 for the purpose of this story.  A new Arts Development Officer joins Moray Council.  He brings with him a wealth of experience and negotiations with the Royal Shakespeare Company, cut short by his untimely exile from Aberdeen.  Talks are opened again.  Would the RSC bring their mobile auditorium to Moray in 2002?  The RSC say ‘show us the money!’

And the rest, as they say is history.  In May 2002 the RSC set up camp in Forres House Community Centre and presented seven sell out performances of ‘The Merchant of Venice’.

Surely history couldn’t repeat itself?  Half way through the run, up went the cry ‘When are they coming back?’ Of course we wanted them back but I had told everyone this was a once in a lifetime opportunity (ever been had?) and we couldn’t get Lottery funding as we had in 2002 (thank you SAC).

But the RSC had had such a good time (Forres is now legend in the corridors of Stratford) that they asked if they could come back.  We checked diaries and yes, 2005 was free!  We still had to show them the money, but Prudence had been taking care of budgets and box office income was assured, so, where do I sign?

“I believe that aspiring to high quality arts activity is not just the preserve of big cities”

So, the RSC returns to Forres on 18 April.  In 24 hours they, with local help, will construct a fully equipped 444 seat auditorium ready to present Julius Caesar   at 7.30pm on 19 April. 

The next day it’s a matinee and then change over for The Two Gentlemen of Verona before reverting back to Julius Caesar on the last night.  By early morning on Sunday 24, five articulated lorries and 50 tons of equipment will be heading back to the south coast of England to do it all again.

In 2002 tickets sold out in three weeks, this January they went in a week. As Fiona, Susan and Marcus of thebooth, the new online booking facility, will tell you, the offices of HI~Arts were like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise when tickets went on sale – 300 sold in the first 25 minutes.

A visit by the RSC elitist? Not at all, and not just an ego trip, either.  In terms of Arts Development in Moray (or any other area) I believe that aspiring to high quality arts activity is not just the preserve of big cities.  Having a company like the RSC raises the game for everyone – participants and producers alike.  People go and see more, get involved more and want more.

RSC elitist? My Arts!

Nick Fearne is Arts Development Officer of Moray Council

© Nick Fearne, 2005