Ambitious plans as Devon theatres go independent

The company that runs two theatres in North Devon says it will start investing in them from 2028 and plans to double the capacity at one of them.

Landmark Theatres Ltd, which owns Queen's Theatre in Barnstaple and the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, is about to separate from its founder, international theatre producer Selladoor, and become a charity, making it eligible for grants.

Landmark expects to break even by March after losing money last year. Selladoor is writing off £600,000 and Landmark Theatres intends to have a positive balance sheet within three years and can then start spending money on the theatres.

In its first business plan since the split, it has big ideas to put more bums on seats, bring theatre to a more diverse audience and make it relevant to people who don't currently go.

Company CEO Paul Jepson, who used to run Exeter's Northcott Theatre, told North Devon Council's strategy and resources committee that the company is writing its own pantomimes and has brought shows to the district because of good ticket sales at its other two venues in Peterborough.

He said the programme for North Devon focuses on what people want. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is the most popular event, so he is planning on booking them twice a year.

Landmark has held 400 workshops with 1,200 local primary and secondary schoolchildren and hopes to become a leader in training young people in the arts, including film-making and backstage skills, because there is a shortage of skills and productivity in the industry.

Head of talent and participation Ben Lyon-Ross said a community decisionmakers' panel is being set up to provide feedback on shows and offer suggestions.

A flagship event called the Welcome Weekender in the autumn, with 23 live performances, welcomed new artists and celebrated the people and culture of North Devon.

Landmark has set up what it calls the 'Arty Bank hub' for culture and care focused around the theatre in Ilfracombe, inspired by the idea of relieving poverty by having everything from food, toiletries, bedding and baby products under one roof.

Ilfracombe is ranked among the poorest communities nationwide, with people living in the town centre having a life expectancy 10 years lower than some other parts of Devon.

Arty Bank is looking at creative activities or practical skills like cookery courses and live music events tied in with a food offer. In conjunction with housing provider North Devon Homes, there will be special Christmas events for people facing social isolation, with a free performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Queen's Theatre.

Mr Jepson said the company had important partners including the National Theatre and that was unusual. It has links with the Arts Council, giving it access to creative resources.

He continued: "The work we do at Arty Bank could be quite sector changing and make culture very very relatable. We want it to be about them and the community around them."

In the longer term, he hopes to double the capacity of the Queen's Theatre, and make other improvements.
"I want a bigger stage, and to put the flat floor back so we can have 2,000 standing," he said. "We can double the occupancy rate in that theatre but it's going to be expensive."

Cllr Malcolm Prowse (Ind, Bratton Fleming) said the council's subsidy to the theatres - £150,000 a year - was " cheap as chips" and "fantastic value for money"

He said there was a lot of pride around both theatres but when Selladoor took them on it was "like they were doing it to us, not for us", he said.

Cllr David Knight (Lib Dem, Roundswell) said the council's new car park in Barnstaple had the ability to offer advertising space to the theatre.

The council has funded the replacement of the Queen's Theatre roof, costing £315,000, and spent £150,000 on the fire alarm system at the Landmark. It has also made a bid for funding to upgrade the heating system at Ilfracombe theatre.