The anniversary production was originally planned for April this year but under the circumstances it has been rescheduled’. She says: ‘We decided to perform The Ghost Train as this was the first production performed at the original Bijou Theatre after taking over the management from Greta in 1978. ![]() To mark their 65-year anniversary, Bijou has chosen Arnold Riley’s classic drama, The Ghost Train with Jill as Artistic Director. Following the success of Black Coffee last year, they will return to the stage again in 2021 with Spider’s Web, a unique blend of suspense and humour weaving an intricate web of murder, police, drug addicts, invisible ink, hidden doorways and secret drawers. Since their much-acclaimed production of Towards Zero in 1984, Bijou has performed an Agatha Christie summer season almost every year at the Palace Theatre. The company has also gained a great reputation for its association with the Torquay born, ‘Queen of Crime’, Agatha Christie. Many Torbay residents will have fond memories of being taught by Wendy and Jill, who were both drama teachers at Paignton School, now known as Paignton Academy.īijou Theatre Productions stages four plays a year at the Palace Theatre with previous successful adaptations such as Alan Ayckbourn’s Snake in the Grass, 84 Charing Cross Road, Barefoot in the Park, Wait Until Dark and many others. Today Bijou Theatre Productions is run by an all-woman team with Wendy Caplan and daughter, Sarah working alongside Jill as co-directors. Founder, Greta bequeathed the company to Jill Farrant, who took over in 1983 and a move to the Palace Theatre followed in 1986. Since the early days, Bijou Theatre Productions has grown from a 50-seater private club to a thriving business with 130 members. This was also the site of the world-famous premiere of ‘Pirates of Penzance’ by Gilbert and Sullivan in December 1879. The company was based in a stable at the back of the then Gerston Hotel in Paignton town centre and although The Bijou Theatre building no longer exists, a blue plaque unveiled by Torbay Civic Society still marks the spot. Bijou started as a private members theatre club in 1955 by a lady called Greta Huggins. This year marks Bijou Theatre Productions 65-years of continuous production. So, there is a glimmer of hope and there is still so much to celebrate. The challenges facing the industry are enormous, but amidst the lockdown crisis our fabulously loyal audiences continue to support ‘The Grand Old Lady of Paignton’ and the wonderful actors and local theatre companies that perform on our stage. It is a very beautiful place.2020 will certainly be a year that everyone remembers! As we enter the summer season, usually one of our busiest times of year, the Palace Theatre’s doors, like other theatres and live venues across the South West and the UK, remain closed. Seats are comfortable and the interior is absolutely stunning. ![]() Amazing that you don't have to go too far back in history to find a time when discrimination like that was considered the norm, but it is very cool that this little theater was a trailblazer in the area of desegregation. Jon Foreman of Switchfoot spoke during a break in his band's concert there a couple of years ago and said that the Bijou was the first theater in Tennessee to allow African American patrons to visit. This little theater is over 100 years old and has great historical significance. ![]() The view from their is spectacular and there is no one in front of you to obscure your enjoyment of the event. The place is so small that the front of the balcony is only about a dozen rows back from the stage. If you have the opportunity to select your seats, try to get front row in the balcony. Artists frequently comment during their shows about how amazing the acoustics are in the building. I have seen several concerts in this little place. The Bijou is and incredible gem in downtown Knoxville, TN.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |