[K]eswick’s much-loved Theatre by the Lake turned eighteen last week having staged an impressive 148 home-produced plays since it was officially opened by Dame Judi Dench and Michael Williams in December 1999 – and is having a cocktail named in its honour.
The theatre opened on the shores of Derwentwater only just on time and on budget having been willed into existence by passionate theatre lovers and major donations by local theatre and music organisations, the Foundation for Sports and Arts, Keswick Town Council, Allerdale Borough Council, Cumbria County Council and The National Lottery.
It replaced The Century Theatre, more fondly known as the ‘Blue Box’, an extraordinary mobile theatre which had toured the country in post-war Britain before eventually settling in Lakeside carpark in Keswick in 1975.
Now firmly established as a world-class venue, it enjoys a reputation for high production values as well as being known for its stunning location and warm and friendly welcome, having been named Most Welcoming Theatre in the North West for three years running (and has just been nominated for a fourth year).
The theatre has found a loyal audience in the people of Cumbria and visitors who come from far and wide to enjoy the Lake District – many returning again and again. Following the first 17 years under the leadership of Ian Forrest and Patric Gilchrist, the theatre is now embarking on its next journey under the Artistic Directorship of Conrad Lynch who took over the running of the theatre in September 2016.
To celebrate its coming of age, Summer Season cast member Matthew Mellalieu, who plays John in After the Dance and Touchstone in As You Like It, has created a special birthday cocktail for the theatre – the TBTL Martini (a version of the classic ‘Dirty Martini’) which he described as ‘perfect for the most theatrical of high-society soirées’.
Conrad Lynch, Artistic Director, said: “We are so delighted that this special theatre is now entering into its adult years as a venue. Our success – and survival – is down to the support of so many people: our funders, Friends and supporters, our staff and volunteers, our Ambassadors, our casts and creative teams, and of course our wonderful audiences who continue to help make this building thrive. Here’s to the next 18 years!”
