Glasgow’s Pavilion Theater takes new ownership
(Image: Newsquest)Glasgow Pavilion theater There will likely be a Jersey Boys or Rocky Horror Show, a move that would open up the Renfield Street action to a wider audience.
This is the plan announced by Trafalgar CEO Helen Enbright entertainment The (TE) theater was recently sold by Tim and Nick Martin to new owners.
Ms Embright, a former University of Glasgow graduate, said a number of options were being considered when it came to the pavilion.
read more: Jenny Godley Wins Inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Comedy Award
“Jersey Boys, for example, is a very large production, and it’s not easy to get into the Pavilion theater,” she said. “But we’ll see how we adapt the show to fit the stage. That’s something we’ll try to do. The Rocky Horror Show is another show we’d love to have at the pavilion. These are the types of productions that Glasgow likes. “
However, the CEO added that TE is an international live entertainment company Businesswill not only focus on large-scale national production.
Spectators line up at the Glasgow Pavilion (Image: Newsquest)
She added: “The 1,500-seat pavilion is a very special place. It offers a great atmosphere and a really intimate space. The theater has always been a home for variety and we plan to continue that theme. good space.
“We know exactly what the audience wants and likes, and our aim is to build on that. If we can bring a great production like Jersey Boys and add some really great local content, we’re really hopeful.” .”
The pavilion opened in 1904 and has been, for the most part, a huge success story over the years, unearthing such talents as Brendan O’Carroll’s Mrs Brown’s Boy, And had local successes like Des Dillon’s “I’m Not Billy” – He’s Tim. The panto season generates huge income.
However, Trafalgar Entertainment believes the theater has untapped potential. For example, Ms Enbright suggested that she consider partnerships with establishments such as the Tron Theatre, which would allow theaters such as David Ireland’s hugely successful play Cyprus Avenue to relocate to Renfield Street.
“That’s definitely the case,” she said. “What we plan to do is have conversations with local producers and directors. We want to try a lot of different ideas and see what works for the audience.
The challenge, the CEO admits, is to retain the audience in traditional pavilions while improving the product.
“Overall, we want more content. Theaters tend to be open Thursday through Saturday, but we want more week-long shows.
“Currently, the pavilion hosts approximately 140 performances a year, and we expect more than 200.”
read more: Scottish memorial: Minute of silence in memory of Covid victims
There is no doubt that TE does not know Glasgow and its audience. Company principals Sir Howard Pant and Lady Rosemary Squire previously ran the Ambassador Theater Group (ATG), which controlled the city’s Kings Theater and Theater Royal, while Ms Embright worked at ATG 17 years.
Singer Frankie Vaughan was one of the greats who played Pavilion (Image: Newsquest)
Selling Pavilion to TE has an added bonus. At first it looked like ATG would take over the pavilion. However, when the deal fell through, TE was poised and eager to take over.
“We’ve been keen to buy the theater for several months,” Ms Embright admitted. “While it will take some time to develop and get it right, we have a very strong programming team that can take on the challenges of programming weekly runs and one-night shows.”
The CEO added: “We have a lot of ideas, one of which is to run a comedy festival in the pavilion. “
Trafalgar Entertainment is adding to its theater portfolio which includes the Trafalgar Theater in London’s West End, the Theater Royal in Sydney, Australia and 12 UK regional theatres.
The company also has a performing arts division.
“We also work with institutions like New York’s Lincoln Center and the National Theatre. Our mission is to create quality,” Ms. Enright added.
The London-based chief executive believes Trafalgar Entertainment can build on the Pavilion Theatre’s success story.
“When we took over the Kings as ATG (from Glasgow council) we doubled the audience in a very short period of time by doing what the local authorities couldn’t.”
She laughed when asked about her rivalry with theater giant ATG.
“Personally, it’s exciting (taking over Pavilion). It will bring me back to Glasgow more often. As for ATG, it’s good to have competition.”
Former manager Iain Gordon, who also produced, wrote and directed the Pavilion show, accepted his time away.
“I have been employed by Pavilion since 1977, and I am proud to have been a part of bringing the theater to its current location,” he said.
The pavilion also has an entertainment legacy dating back to the days of Harry Lauder and Charlie Chaplin, having hosted comedy legend Sir Billy Connolly, Pop group Wet Wet Wet and pantomime star The Krankies.