On 27th March 2014, Shanklin Theatre were delighted to welcome a visit by TRH Earl and Countess of Wessex. The occasion was to honour the achievements of the Theatre in establishing a role in the community for the Island and tourism, and to coincide with the Theatre’s 80th Anniversary.
The Earl and Countess were accompanied by their private secretaries as well as by the Lord Lieutenant and the Vice Lieutenant. Together with Shanklin Theatre Managing Director Vic Farrow, all six enjoyed a splendid buffet lunch supplied by the Green Room volunteers.
Prior to lunch and on arrival at the Theatre, the Chairman, Chris Quirk, and Vice Chairman, Anthony Wood, were introduced to the Royal Guests together with Mrs Denise Farrow, and Roger Coleman and Louise Bond, the Theatre Managers.
A tour of the theatre was then conducted by volunteer Roy Coleman. During the tour Chris Gardner, Theatre Technical Manager, and Rebecca Gardner, Stage Manager were introduced.
Other Members of the Theatre and Trust Boards plus Supervisors, representing the Friends of the Theatre, were introduced in the Council Chambers. Our invited guest from Wightlink, Commercial Director, Clive Tilley was also introduced.
The Royal Party plus those introduced and an audience comprising Friends of the Theatre, representatives from Shanklin Town Council, Age Concern, Duke of Edinburgh Award personnel, Shanklin C. O. E. Schoolchildren, Townswomen Guild, Shanklin Youth Club, and family and friends of First Act, were then entertained by the cast of First Act who performed a twelve minute show of Beatles’ songs.
After the show, TRH were invited on to the stage where they met Carole Laidler and Vivienne Howell from First Act, and then chatted to the Special Needs cast of the show and their helpers.
The Earl was then presented with a magnificent birthday cake, on behalf of the W. I., to mark his recent 50th birthday, and Anne Longford DL invited him to cut the cake during which everyone joined in a chorus of Happy Birthday.
A member of First Act also gave the Earl a birthday card, and inside was a history of Shanklin Theatre.
Vic Farrow then invited the Earl to unveil a plaque to commemorate the visit, and following this the Countess was presented with a posy by Theresa Rose from First Act.
Vic Farrow then escorted the guests on their departure and thanked TRH for honouring the Theatre in this way.
Vic Farrow
3rd April 2014
