Memorandum submitted by Mr Peter Watts
I note from the press notice issued by the Culture,
Media and Sport Committee of DCMS that written submissions can
be made in relation to the evidence session on the public support
for musical theatre. I would like to write a few notes about "the
significance of the Bridewell Theatre in the development of new
musical theatre writing and productions within the UK".
I have been going to performances at the Bridewell
Theatre for many years. So far as I am aware, there is no other
small theatre where new musical writing is given such prominence.
I know that there are very few theatres in the City of London
and that the Bridewell Theatre in addition to evening performances,
provides many "lunch box" performances. Although the
theatre is small, it is an ideal venue for nurturing and displaying
new musical theatre talent. The space is infinitely variable with
its seating and the possibility of a small orchestra in the deep
end of the covered swimming pool (the water has of course been
removed!). Also, the team at the Bridewell, in particular the
theatre director, Carol Metcalfe, have been there for many years
and have built-up an enviable reputation in the medium in which
they excel, musical theatre. The reviews for recent productions
fully support this view.
The Bridewell has been given very little notice
of a substantial reduction in funding (I understand) from next
31 March and needs relatively modest help to secure its future.
The writers of the blockbuster musicals that produced such huge
direct and indirect earnings for this country have to be nurtured
somewhere and I believe the Bridewell Theatre provides the best
opportunities available to nurture such future talent.
I hope that the above submission will be useful
in your deliberations.
25 November 2003
| 
