Stage set for library shows
Plays could yet be staged at Southwell Library, despite the cancellation of a planned performance.
A performance of Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell by the Robin Hood Theatre Company was due to take place in the library last week but was cancelled because there wasn’t time to apply for a licence.
The play, which would have been the first at the library, was performed at the Cross Keys public house, Upton, instead.
The senior library assistant, Mrs Nicola Ellis, said the library would be an ideal venue to hold plays in the future.
She said: “It is something we are going to look into. It would be really exciting if it did come off.
“We are in a good setting because we are in the centre of the town, we have got plenty of parking, there is good lighting and good acoustics. It would be a great place to hold a play.”
Mrs Ellis said many performances took place at the Minster School, but it was not always available.
She said: “I think it gets quite busy with bookings and it is quite a way out of town, although there is great parking, but the library is more central.”
Mrs Ellis said the library would probably start by hosting productions by the Robin Hood Theatre Company.
She said: “The Robin Hood Theatre Company has a good reputation for the high standard of performances.
“The library wouldn’t be suitable for all types of plays. Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell would have been a good play to have because the cast don’t have to move around about the stage a lot.
“I think for small plays it would be ideal.”
The library has seating for 60 people and shelves can be moved back to allow room for more if extra chairs were available.
Mrs Ellis said holding plays would help the library become more of a centre for the community.
She said: “I think it would be very good, especially with the Core Youth Centre next door because they could open up their doors as well for performances.
“It is a different approach because plays are all to do with books and reading and literature and culture.”
Mrs Ellis said she would consider applying for a licence so they could hold performances in the library.
