Park Theatre

THE KINDNESS OF FRIENDS

Tuesday, 21 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

I remember many months ago writing a blog entitled The Kindness of Strangers. For those not familiar with A Streetcar Named Desire, I should tell you that therein lies the reference. Today's blog, however, takes a different stance - as it seems that many of the strangers of yester-month are the friends of today...

Since occupying the building some two years ago our presence in the community has been increasing - both quickly and confidently. It has been a pleasure to begin relationships with so many people, relationships that have started out from a tiny seed and are starting to grow into fully blossoming plants. That's surely what Park Theatre's about - nurturing both audiences and practitioners, providing a welcoming environment in which to grow. I remember the first contact from a local resident who works at the Royal Opera House and passes by on the bus on a daily basis, and from another who runs a promotions company and came round on an industry tour, and from the couple who popped their heads round as we were once locking up to ask for more information. All these people are now supporters - in fact one is on our board. I'm proud to have developed those relationships and, as we approach opening and enter the first few years of operation, we must be sure to only accelerate all efforts in this field.

So, whilst we continue to find new supporters from all areas, and strive towards our funding goals, today was a day to remember those who have quickly become friends and who have given us their time and energy. As Melli and her new assistant Amy organised for a group of helpers to stuff envelopes and take to the streets with brochures, I was embroiled in a number of meetings on site led by the intrepid architect Dave Hughes: he who was an utter stranger two years ago and now probably knows me as well as my family - well he should do, he certainly spends more time with me than they do. Then there are all our fantastic ambassadors - one of them went round hand delivering brochures to the shops in Crouch End last week and one called me today to say they'd met some local people on holiday and were telling them all about the theatre!

So here's to wonderful new friends from the last couple of years - and to growing relationships over the next.

With all my love and huge appreciation, Jez x

PROBABLE

Monday, 20 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

A few meetings on site today including a good chat with the General Manager of Improbable and a couple of their associate artists. A company whose work we certainly admire. Let’s hope that, when we’re ready to programme, something fits!

I was advised to check to Peter Hall’s diaries on building the National Theatre - note to self, must buy.

The day ended with a screening of a new Tim Roth film produced by my friend Rupert Jermyn, great to see the rough cut of what should prove to be a great british thriller.

A bigger blog soon I hope - I do have some things I’d like to address (he says, royally) but the midnight hour approaches and I must eat some food then hit the sack. Long day tomorrow - beginning with a meeting at the Capital Club at 9am.

FULL ON FRIDAY

Friday, 17 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

Great day, fab meeting with Tamzin regarding a top secret project that we soon hope to announce! Just gone midnight and have returned from Guildford seeing Terence Rattigan's 'Less Than Kind' which is currently on tour after selling out at the Jermyn Street Theatre last year. This feels more like a tweet - short and sweet. That's 'cause I'm knackered and for Park peeps, there ain't no such thing as a week end! Grrrr.... (but we love it!)

A 'POLITE NOTE'

Thursday, 16 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

For some reason, no matter how clear we think we are, we seem to be with inundated with people trying to “drop in” for either a tour a coffee or both.

Now, to be clear:– 

- We do not work from the site office most days; we usually work from home.

- We do not currently live near the theatre.

- No-one is permitted on the building site without an official appointment for reasons of health and safety.

- We have arranged and are continuing to arrange various group tours for both the industry and local residents.

- These are free and everybody is welcome, all you need to do is book.

It’s great that there is so much buzz and excitement driving people through our doors, but  please understand that we are often working 16 hour days and aren’t able to down tools for an off-the-cuff meeting, even if we do happen to be there that day. For any enquiries whatsoever please email us. Absolutley everybody who emails us gets a personal response, every time, without fail. 

For those interested, the next round of tours will be in April - they will be announced on the website, and via mailout - so local residents please sign up online and industry professionals please email melli dot bond at parktheatre dot co dot uk to be added to the industry database if you aren't already on it. Many thanks :)

THE ARTISTRY OF GIVING

Wednesday, 15 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

Very touched today by an incredibly generous donation. Not just a large amount but a wondefully clever amount too. Just over two thousand pounds - in fact twelve pounds more. £2,012. Get it! I challenge the next donor to come up with something equally as profound! Many thanks to you, dear Friend, and to all our wonderful supporters to date. 

And hey, it's an early night. 11.15pm and I'm about to finish the blog and watch a few minutes of TV. Trumpet fanfare please.... ba ba ba baaaaaaaa! (actually when it's written that looks more like a sheep). 

PS: Nice little article about Tamzin and us in the Evening Standard today, would scan and tweet etc, but then I'll loose the trumpet fanfare - so... until tomorrow!

SHMALENTINE

Tuesday, 14 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

"Ah Valentine Shmalentine!" he says, the Scrooge of the Romance world. No time for flowers when you're building a theatre.

Actually I did manage the flowers, but it's nearly midnight and once more the Bond workstation is busy through the night.

I'm really excited to have the fantastic video we made with Sir Ian McKellen, Tamzin Outhwaite and Celia Imrie up on the website. Lots of positive feedback and some more donations starting to come in. For those enjoying their valentine's evening and wanting to reward their loved one with something more permanent than roses, how about naming a seat in Park 90 or Park 200? 

TAMZIN CAN'T WAITE

Monday, 13 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

Tamzin Outhwaite has been officially inaugurated as an Ambassador for Park Theatre - and a prouder, energetic, more active ambassador we could not wish for!

What most people didn't know is that Tamzin has already been working behind the scenes with me over the past ten days and - as a result - we are about to release a very exciting video within the next few hours! Let's just say she's not the only star of it. So watch this space!.....

We may also have some further exciting news early next week as we are hatching all sorts of marvellous plans. She's already got a date for her party on site and has sent her invites out. Like her, we simply can't wait to get cracking with all these events!

I HEAR A RUMOUR...

Friday, 10 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

"I hear a rumour you're opening with a musical" someone tells me. Of course word spreads like wild fire in our industry so evidently what started as a possibility, a suggestion, a desire is now - in most people's minds - a fact. We may well open withe a musical. It has an inherent sense of celebration about it - which just feels right juxtaposed with opening a new building. The funniest thing is that there appears to now be a sweepstake on which musical it will be! In fact some interesting ideas have come up... so keep 'em coming!   

AND AGAIN...

Thursday, 9 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

Sorry to delay but again no time for the clever blog. It's gone midnight and I've just finsihed a one hour phone meeting (great to know that someone else also works late hours). Up at 8am again to start another hectic day...

THE LURE OF THE BED...

Wednesday, 8 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

So much to say today, an amazing day in fact. But too important to ruin it all by exhaustedly blogging now as the lure of bed is too strong. I've been feeling increasingly unwell and run down, my eyes are sore and my head is throbbing. These final few words then to bed and tomorrow another rather epic day... hopefully some more energy, at that point, to share the excitement of the last 24 hours with you all.... 

STARTING WITH A BLANK SLATE

Tuesday, 7 February, 2012 by Charlie Ward

One of the delights of building a theatre is working from a blank slate.  Unlike most capital theatre projects, Park Theatre will not house a company with a previous history: there is no audience to keep and no style to accommodate.  Clearly the choice of site influences the size and shape of the auditoria, but at every turn there are small decisions that will affect the Park Theatre experience for actors and audience alike.  Many of the decisions are practical, but I've found the last few months creatively stimulating in various exciting ways. 

When you start to break down the theatre experience, you become very aware of its ritual components, many of which we take for granted; they're often so ingrained into the status quo that nobody has ever considered changing them.  There's a small example of this in today's Guardian Stage Blog, where Lyn Gardner has used Park Theatre as a beacon for open accounting in emerging companies:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2012/feb/07/fringe-theatre-open-accountable

We're not inventing transparency, but we're allying the policy on accounting for visiting companies to the ethos of the building as a whole.  It's a small step, but perhaps other venues will respond, and before long that too will become part of the status quo.  There are a number of other discussions up in the air about how Park Theatre might do things differently: if you were creating your dream theatre, how would it stand out from the crowd?

THE ROUTE THROUGH...

Monday, 6 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

The route through the lower ground floor is cold and damp, water drips down through cracks in the floor above and steel columns prop tonnes of concrete. This is not the set for the latest low budget horror movie - although it does a very good impression of being exactly that. No, this is the stalls-to-be; and beyond this dark atmosphere a modest but comfortable room awaits, filled with plans and folders, tables and chairs, hard hats and boots. This is the new site office - and the warmth hits you as soon as you enter. So as the February snow melts above our heads we sit inside our very own base camp, mastermind our new state of the art theatre and continue to turn drawings into reality...

I NEED 48 HOURS IN A DAY

Friday, 3 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

It's 1am and I am still working like nuts. I wish there were 48 hours in a day, I simply don't have enough time to get things done. Today was insane. Great breakfast with Tamzin this morning but I've hardly had a second to think about anything we've talked about, let alone deal with all the invites to our upcoming parties. Right... must continue... Dear Friends I shall be back on Monday when hopefully I will be on top of things again, having spent the weekend tackling the mountainous workload infront of me....

LOTS TO COME

Thursday, 2 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

I’ve had a long day today. I’ve travelled from West to North to South to North to West but it’s all been worth it. Dave and I saw the new Bush building earlier – and Steve Tompkins has done a terrific job with the design. It’s not quite finished yet though - they have plans to refurbish and convert other currently back of house spaces into public areas. As for my own wonderful architect, my dream-maker, my Horatio – he’s come up with a potential change to the back of house that reminds me why I love him so. We simply never stop refining, tweaking and challenging each other.

More of this and on the rest of the day anon – as various seeds planted today may soon develop into full flowers and merit a proper announcement. Fast forwarding a few hours and as I leave the Gatehouse – after a very entertaining production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ – I feel the cold air burning my skin. They say it’s due to snow tonight and part of me feels like curling up in bed with a hot water bottle and hibernating. Of course I can’t do that – and I don’t want to really; I’m having breakfast with Tamzin in the morning. All I can say, again, is watch this space!

WHO YOU KNOW

Wednesday, 1 February, 2012 by Jez Bond

There's a great deal of truth in the famous expression 'it's not what you know, it's who you know' . In the theatre industry we often thrive on this; people take cautious steps to appease the people positioned to give them a step up and would make little apology for getting the job through a friend or family member. Of course it's all very well when you're one of those who know people, but for those on the other side of the fence - those, for example, starting out or not in the 'it crowd' it's incredibly frustrating and, let's face it, downright unfair. Now in my own miniscule way I realise that I've played my part in this - any director will tell you they enjoy working with familiar faces and sometimes it's tough to get through the door if you're not known to a particular director or producer. I have always tried to maintain a healthy balance of new faces and to audition a range of performers - and I will indeed strive to continue this at Park Theatre.

What is, however, becoming increasingly frustrating to me now is that it appears the world of fundraising is no different. Obviously individual donors require a personal connection - it doesn't take a genius to work out that Tom Cruise isn't going to give you £10,000 even though "he can easily afford it" and "he supports the arts". But when it comes to applications to trusts and foundations one would have hoped that a strong application could sail through to success based purely on its own merits. In the majority of cases it seems to be not so - we're constantly asked "who on your board knows people in trusts and foundations?" Unfortunately, whilst among our trustees and ambassadors we have a level of expertise and theatre experience of which I am extremely proud, we simply don't have these key contacts. So part of the day is spent writing applications and trying to get across the passion and vision, which is so hard to translate onto paper, to a grant officer - and the other half is spent trying to find a 'way in' to any of these organisations that would give us the all important leg-up. "C'est  la vie" say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell!

VISION

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012 by Charlie Ward

What's your vision? It's the big directing question, perhaps the big question for leaders of every stripe.  We want reassurance that the person we're following knows where the gold is, and has the map to find it.  'Look at this lovely map', the leader says.  'Here we see the pot of gold, and look - here is the rainbow that will lead us to it.' 

In the context of theatre, I find the notion of 'vision' very problematic, but it's at the core of everything Jez and Melli are doing at the moment.  Because Jordan is a born troublemaker, the tour involves quite a lot of dust, and even more suspension of disbelief.  You'd think he was trying to build something.  Ultimately Jez relies on his passion and his beloved future present tense to convert a building site into a theatre.  His skill at this is not in question, but perhaps it's significant that my determination to worm my way into the Park Theatre family (stalking is the only way), was partly motivated by Jez's humility when it comes to clairvoyance.  In his own words, 'we're hoping that the audience will help us to shape what we do and how we do it'.

REGENERATION

Monday, 30 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen” I began “I'm Jez Bond, Artistic Director for Park Theatre”. It’s a title that used to sound alien but now comes as second nature. I’ve given countless speeches at tours, presentations and meetings that I’ve become incredibly comfortable in talking on all aspects of the theatre. Today I was at the Finsbury Park Regeneration Conference addressing forty or so residents, business owners and councillors across the three boroughs of Islington, Hackney and Haringey.

The key topic I was asked to discuss was why, of all the gin joints in all the world, we had chosen Finsbury Park...

There are many answers; the excellent transport links, the current influx of new developments and conversions, the income of classy restaurants, the previous lack of arts provision, the huge number of theatre practitioners. But there’s on other thing that I often remark but rarely expand upon. The hoards of suits exiting the tube station at rush hour.

Ten to twelve years ago I worked as Associate Director at Y Touring Theatre Company - who were at that time based on nearby Lennox Road. What you see now that you didn't see then are the hundreds of young professional couples dressed in suits walking out of the station at rush hour. This change is indicative of an area on the up and this very fact is vital to our success. You see, the trouble with new audiences is that they take years to cultivate. The truth is that without a core audience of more affluent theatre-savvy people, we wouldn't survive.

So how do we reconcile this truth with one of our key aims to pull in new and diverse audiences?

Well unless we have the finances in place to operate with empty houses and to spend vast amounts on marketing to people who won’t even think about coming until long after we’ve chained shut the doors forever, we need to generate some income quickly in order to survive. We need to survive in order to thrive – and we need to thrive in order to invest time, money and a great deal of energy into developing new ways of attracting those who haven’t been to the theatre before.

It’s through our success in generating ticket sales from a ‘safer’ audience plus through finding the right balance in programming that we will begin to address the issue.

People often talk of the negative effects of ‘gentrification’ of an area – and indeed where the wealthier come in, the house prices go up and the poorer are forced out of their indigenous neighbourhood that’s not a good thing. However there’s a balance to be had – one where the wealthier communities and the less advantaged live together, where the more affluent take care of the poorer.

Park Theatre can be a facilitator between the two. It will take years to build but it’s worth every effort. New audiences are key, young audiences are our future and a worthwhile theatre simply must be rooted in the community in which it sits.

CROSSING THE RIVER

Friday, 27 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

A great day today. This morning I started at the Young Vic, where a young and energetic company were presenting a workshop snippet of a new play they had devised. It was very well recieved and had a lot going for it. I found the narrative, the characters and the clever interaction with video to be very well realised and look forward to seeing their developments. 

Following The Stage's New Year's party at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane - where I made some new friends and met lots of old - I proceeded back across the river to the Jerwood Space where some practitioners were presenting the beginnings of a show. Again lots going for it, so all in all a very productive day.

WE MADE IT TO 1,000

Thursday, 26 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

Congratulations to the team - and all our faithful followers. Thanks to loads of great tweets and retweets and Friday Follows we made it past 1,000 followers this morning. In fact on Friday we were ranked number 6 in the UK for Friday Follows! That's pretty good going. Plus another 90 or so poured in just in the last few hours thanks to some new tweeters on the case! 

MUST FILM

Wednesday, 25 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

So much to do and so little time (so many times have I said that). Desperately need to go to site with the video camera and make a record of the fast changes to the upper floors. The joists are in and in a couple of weeks the framing system that forms the walls goes on. We'll be watertight in the front building before we know it! 

JUSTICE FOR A MOVING NIGHT

Tuesday, 24 January, 2012 by Melli Bond

The credits for evening's show gave us many reasons to attend - familiar director, producer, actor and venue; and whilst some might think we would be biased in terms of expectation and enjoyment I can assure you I am very open equally to take each show on its own merit.

And so tonight we saw 'Execution of Justice' at the Southwark playhouse. A well done piece of theatre - Joss Bennathan directed this large cast and gave, essentially a court room drama a very punchy and well paced delivery. I'm pleased to say I wasn't put off by the accents - as often happens to me seeing American plays here in London. A pet peeve really as I don't understand why Americans aren't cast more often? They live here, work here and are good. So thankfully this production has American actors as well as Brits with good ears!

An enjoyable evening though an upsetting story - that's a good night at the theatre. Make me cry, make me think make me laugh; whatever it is please make me do something, that's why we go isn't it folks? That's why you'll come to the Park - that's certain.

BIG TRIP FOR BIG MEN IN BIG SOCIETY

Monday, 23 January, 2012 by Melli Bond

It's only for one night but packing to stay away is still something that takes thought - mainly because I remember how cold it is 'Up North'! Going to Leeds you would think I was heading for some unheard of town or half expecting a wild journey as I rationed my water and covered up with my huge blanket/scarf/rug - a very snugglish item.

On arrival to the theatre there were all sorts of people inviting me in - it did suddenly feel like I was on a journey back in time to 1910. Big Society, directed by the lovely Rod Dixon of Red Ladder, had a great mix of Variety Show songs and dance with the truth of backstage both in the characters' personal lives and in the politics they lived and breathed - which reference very nicely our own modern issues.

My journey in time continued to the next day where I met up with my university friend from Hull - and we realised that we had both a lot to catch up on and further years of companionship ahead. 

I also had coffee with Rod and John of Red Ladder and hope that we will develop a strong working friendship in the years to come...

What a great journey! Big laughs. Big fun. Big Plans!

INCREASING OUR PROFILE

Friday, 20 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

The team as a whole decided recently that we should really have at least 1,000 followers on Twitter so we've been undertaking some hardcore 24 hour profile raising via our respective tweet decks - encouraging people to retweet and 'friday follow' us. The good news is that it's been working very well indeed. Whilst last night we had a mere 650 followers, now as I write this it's closer to 800. Please continue to spread the word and let's hit the big 1,000. Onwards and upwards everyone! Thanks for your support :)

MANIC THURSDAYS

Thursday, 19 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

Meetings on site, meetings off site

Meeting with a prospective new board member, meeting with some more local actors

Meetings on the ground floor, meetings on the roof

Just another manic Thursday.

EVENING STANDARD

Wednesday, 18 January, 2012 by Nouska Hanly

An exciting few weeks...!

Following our first fundraising party hosted by Sean Mathias and attended by Sir Ian Mc Kellen, Rupert Everett, Matthew Kelly, Michael Pennington and David Parfitt, the Evening Standard has published an exclusive on Park Theatre, published in today’s paper. Other coverage includes my own piece on the party published here on www.offwestend.com

Its great to be able to assist in getting news of the theatre ‘out there’ into the public domain, especially knowing the amount of work, effort and passion invested by everyone involved.

The Evening Standard exclusive reflects the fantastic endorsements the project is receiving from the UK theatre industry’s most well respected and best loved stars, among them Sir Ian McKellen and Celia Imrie, who have backed the plans wholeheartedly.

Aside from launching the Park in the press, the exposure will hopefully help raise the remaining £300,000 for the Education Floor and, as the article says "put theatre back on the map in Finsbury Park!"

INTERVIEWS

Tuesday, 17 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

I was interviewed by The Evening Standard today, they are writing a story which will go into tomorrow's paper. I have also been approached by a magainze who want to do an article. Nouska Hanly, our Associate, has been really fantastic in getting the word out to the press following last week's fundraising party. Loads more to do today, watch this space...!

SLEEPING DOGS

Monday, 16 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

I spent the day helping a great friend of mine, playwright Brenda Gottsche, with her latest production 'Sleeping Dogs'. The play tells the story of a man who has led a double life of sorts and whose family is coming to terms with the revelation. I have known Brenda since I directed a production of The Fulham Jesus, her first play at Barons Court Theatre (and subsequently worked on three further productions with her there and at the Old Red Lion). 

Today I helped the team by providing audio recording and editing facilities (my sideline) - as some of the play is set in a radio studio and some of the callers will be pre-recorded. A fun day, therefore, with a lovely mix of actors and creative team dropping in throughout the day. 

Sleeping Dogs will be playing at the intimate Baron's Court Theatre from 1st February. Apparently the pub upstairs have refurbished and the food's good. We're going to make a night of it!

DAVID HOROVITCH

Friday, 13 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

We're very excited to introduce our newest Ambassador, David Horovitch. We are thrilled to have such a wonderfully experienced and accomplished actor on board.

Melli and David met when working together on Caryl Churchill's Serious Money for BBC Radio. David lives locally and was extremely excited to hear about Park Theatre's plans. Suffice to say that once he stepped inside and took a tour he was hooked.

When I saw him at the bar at the National yesterday night, after his production of Grief, he was already handing out development packs. Now that's commitment to the cause! Welcome to the team David - we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship together! Read all about David here on our Ambassadors page.

LONG LUNCH

Thursday, 12 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

A lovely long lunch at the Soho Hotel today. The food was delicious and Simon and Brendan from the aptly named Feast - who treated us to this meal - were excellent company. I fondly remember the chocolate mousse with passion fruit coulis and honeycomb crumble, after which I could eat no more! That's not the whole day but a great portion of it - which is unusual, as time-wise lunch is a luxury we can't often afford.

PARTY NUMBER ONE

Wednesday, 11 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

Hosted by our fabulous Ambassador, Sean Mathias, a dozen industry professionals gathered on site for a glass of wine and a tour this evening. The afternoon had been spent preparing the top floor of the site, clearing, tidying, setting up tables and sofas, softening the lighting, applying some fragrances, candles and arty touches all of which combined turned building site reek into building site chic.

And so at 6.30pm on the rooftop of a former Finsbury Park office block gathered some of the finest performers, directors and producers including Sir Ian McKellen, Rupert Everett, Mathew Kelly and David Parfitt. Sean gave a marvellous speech after which I delivered a talk and tour of the site - add to this some glasses of wine, some homemade Park popcorn (courtesy of Director of Development, Annabel Topham) and you have the recipe for a great night. Indeed it was - and with pledges of support and donations this was a terrific kickstart to our series of small fundraising parties...

TIME

Monday, 9 January, 2012 by Melli Bond

Minutes... Hours...Weeks... Years
Sitting on hold for 20 minutes.
Waiting on the platform 5 minutes.
Taking the meeting's minutes.
Walking my Mastiff for 1 hour.
Planning the party for 3 weeks.
Having a dream for 12 years.
Building a dream for 2 years.
Time to share the passion and the excitement...

Every minute.

PRIVATE READING

Friday, 6 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

This afternoon I attended a closed reading of an exciting 'new' play that Sean Mathias is directing. I use new in inverted commas as it's actually an old play by a playwright now sadly passed away that was never completed beyond a first draft - so it's been an interesting process for Sean and the team as to how to take this draft towards a production-ready script. Hopefully I'll be able to write more about it further down the line - and indeed perhaps Park Theatre may even be able to get behind it. That's just a teaser for now...

DIFFERENT WORLDS

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 by Melli Bond

After a morning working my day job I went to work... to my other day job. I'm an actress a well as creative director for PARK and today was a fun acting day! December saw me playing (amongst other things) a Latin American character speaking Spanish speaking (yes I am bilingual) and some very fun health and safety issues on location. Now I understand David Cameron's urge to rid the UK of extraneous health and safety! But today from the safety of the studio I was hurled up into the air, kissed a sexy guy, drank some crazy potions and got thrown out of an exclusive club onto my ass - only to bounce up again! Don't you LOVE cartoons.

BEING SCOTTISH

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 by Charlie Ward

One of the recurring problems of being Scottish is that I've never learnt the rain dance.  In balance it's probably a good thing, as my dancing is easily mistaken for a crude and unpredictable form of primordial warfare.  A rain dance from me would most likely induce a climate catastrophe that would make even The Weather Girls blush.  Which is why I have decided to launch an appeal to all of our supporters to slip on their meteorological dancing shoes and help us shape the weather.  Next Tuesday is our first on-site fundraising party, and as Jordan has failed to deliver a roof two months early, we are seeking a balmy thirty degrees on the mercury and a nice crimson sunset to put our guests in the giving mood.  I'm prepared to offer bonus points to any dance that can deliver a sign from on high that now would be a good time to support Park Theatre.  So don your sombrero and shake out that old Hawaiian bird skirt: it's time to rock.

DEVELOPMENT PACKS ARRIVE

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

The development packs arrived in the post today and look great!

It's taken a long time to get here, through tweaks, tweaks and more tweaks. But it's important to get everything just right - and we have.

Time to start getting them out there now - through parties, through ambassadors, through trustees, through people in the local community. If any readers fancy picking up a few and distributing to their friends, colleagues and neighbours that would be wonderful. Please get in touch...

2012: THE YEAR STARTS HERE!

Monday, 2 January, 2012 by Jez Bond

It's a bank holiday Monday here in the UK, but for the Park Theatre team the second of January means the first day of the most important year ever. There's lots to be done and we have a strong feeling that this year may just go by quicker than ever. Whilst most start back on the 3rd the team have already put in a few good hours today.

Tomorrow we are expecting delivery of our development packs back from the printers and the giant task of reaching our goal towards the education floor kicks up a gear. You'll all be hearing from us very soon indeed!

NEW YEAR'S PLANS CANCELLED

Friday, 30 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

By order of the management - I must remain resting. Rightly so, otherwise I'll never get better!

REFER TO YESTERDAY!

Thursday, 29 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

I have been instructed to stay in bed and off the computer!

BY ORDER OF THE MANAGEMENT

Wednesday, 28 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

I have been instructed to stay in bed and off the computer!

OOPS

Tuesday, 27 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

Never go out when you are only just starting to get better, you'll only get ill again!

GETTING BETTER...

Monday, 26 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

I'm towards the end of this illness now - at least I hope so. A weekend spent mostly in bed (up for Christmas lunch thankfully) and today I am slowly getting back to normality; starting to catch up with the many tasks that have been piling up. We'll leave it there for today - time for another Lemsip!

CATCHING UP WITH ME

Friday, 23 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

Well it was only a matter of time and sure enough, with the festive season here, the cold weather outside and having stopped for a couple of days rest last weekend, my body has decided that enough is enough. I woke up ill this morning. My achilles heel when I am run down is always the glands in my throat - and typically my throat is burning and it hurts when I swallow. So lots of rest (well as much as possible), hot drinks and... well that's it really. The usual meds are lemsip and ibuprofen. Sadly antibiotics never work so it's just a matter of letting it take its course. Does mean that Christmas is a bit screwed, but I think both Melli and I predicted this would happen. 

Best recharge the batteries for the big year ahead!...

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Thursday, 22 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

So much to do, so little time. Christmas is coming, email responses from people are slowing down and most people aren't picking up the phones. Dave and I are still battling on with loads to do. On site the substation walls are nearly complete. Soon we'll forget we ever had that space - which will be a good thing to get used to! Desperately cold outside now. The wind is picking up and with our roof off, the wet weather is most unwelcome. Tomorrow's the last day on site then then work will resume on the 3rd January. Here, however, in the warmth of my flat, work continues as ever...

PUPPETS COME TO LIFE

Wednesday, 21 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

A day of meetings, some at home, some on site and some out in Soho. I showed Sam West the building and he was very excited by the project. I hope he may be able to give us some time and get involved - he lives locally so that's a plus.

In the evening we went to the first show in a long time to which we bought a ticket (rather than being invited). It was War Horse. A truly magical experience for the life-like puppets of the horses (and a star appearance from a goose!) After a short time one ceased to see the puppeteers (who were superb not just at the movements but all the noises as well) and felt one was looking real living, breathing horses with individual characters. A moving story set to the horrific backdrop of World War One.

GROWING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Tuesday, 20 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

Today our Chairman and I met three new board members, who will officially voted on at our January board meeting. It's very exciting as the diversity of skills and experience is now really fantastic. On site the floor joists for the fourth floor are halfway complete and the new floors are visible from the pavement. We're growing in the right direction. In the evening a fun play at the White Bear - where I seem to be becoming quite a regular!

BREATH THAT FRESH AIR!

Monday, 19 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

What a lovely break! Yes a complete break, as in no phone calls and (almost!) no emails for three days. We had a long weekend in Dorset with some friends; Christmas carols, log fires, country walks, late nights - and late mornings. I feel revived and ready for the tens of shows I am seeing over the next few weeks.

TRYING TO LEAVE

Friday, 16 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

Need to pack for the country but there's so much to do. This weekend we are having a little getaway with some friends who have just moved down to Dorset. I'm determined to leave before the hell that is Friday traffic kicks in....! Blog - done :)

KEEPING THE FORCE STRONG

Thursday, 15 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

'm starting to feel the inevitable slow down of productivity from certain quarters as Christmas sets in. It's the usual combination of a rush of last minute requests and, in certain cases, a 'winding down for the holidays' mentality.

However at ground control, despite illness, the force is still strong amongst the Park Jedi. Annabel was a real (storm)trooper earlier as, dosed up with drugs but coughing none the less, she braved a one hour Skype meeting. I'm not quite sure where this random Star Wars theme has come from - I'm not even a major fan of the films. Perhaps I've been subjected to subliminal Christmas advertising and there's a special deal on the box set at HMV.

Anyway, just heading home after production number 25 (ish) of Hamlet. This time in a crypt! Engaging but I have a major issue with all these 'site specific' / 'promenade' shows - chiefly that the sight-lines are awful and a complete lottery. You can end up missing entire scenes - and that's coming from me at 6ft 3"!

THE TEAM GROWS...

Wednesday, 14 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

We have two new board members - but I won't announce them until they are official. We have a great quote from Nick Kent (Artistic Director of the Tricycle Theatre) who came round site today:

“Park Theatre is an incredibly exciting new theatre in an area of London not well-served by the Arts. The new building promises to be very popular with local people, and to be a landmark destination for all Londoners.”

Nicolas Kent, Artistic Director, Tricycle Theatre

We're starting our fundraising parties in the new year and are having a hige push to raise the money needed for the Education Floor. Please please if you can give anything then do donate. Every single £ helps - and with Gift Aid every £ you donate is worth £1.25

GOOD DAY

Tuesday, 13 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

Lots of meetings and lots of things bubbling away that are starting to come to the boil. Amazingly it was the first day that I felt 'wow, I'm not behind with emails etc' - yes, I know, always a bad sign; it usally means that a storm is brewing.

STARBUCKS

Monday, 12 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

Starbucks, Victoria Street, London. Not the most glamorous of meeting places, but a handy one for both Sean Mathias and me. Over some hot chocolate we chatted about the key fundraising priorities for the theatre over the next vital few months - and it was wonderful to see Sean, like our other Ambassadors, fully engaged in the process. Despite his hectic commitments next year, he will host a party on site, invite friends and colleagues to our fundraising launch and help me write letters to other potential supporters. We're also looking to secure some big names for these events - watch this space! So much to do, but with support like this I know it's possible. 

REMAINING OPEN

Friday, 9 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

Must we always be remain open to everything around us, to possibilities, to the potential of an open door? It's true that it you close yourself off from the world, if you don't send out the right messages into the world, then the things you want to happen aren't just going to come to you. So should I feel guilty for switching off on the tube? For five minutes of Angry Birds, for zoning out for a few moments? Should I be sitting riding the Victoria line sending out Park Theatre's fundraising needs to the carriage of strangers? You know I probably should, but I just don't have the energy to do so every day. That's why I'm determined that over the next few weeks we build the number of Ambassadors, we build the number of people on the board and we generally beef up the power of the team. Having Annabel with us is already a great benefit. We need to continue building in more senses than one - we're going to need to work together and tremendously hard in order to achieve our goals.

SITE SPECIFIC

Thursday, 8 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

A site specific promenade show in Shoreditch Town Hall today, with my friend Hugh Ross playing a simply awful human being. He's lovely in real life, honest! We walked from room to room, with action happening continually around us and the atmosphere was dark and intriguing. As we were finally ejected onto the pavement at the back of the building nobody quite knew whether the show was really over or not. Tomorrow it's on to safer pastures - where one can sit in a theatre seat and watch a show from the comfort of the shadows!

CREATIVE ISLINGTON

Wednesday, 7 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

We had a successful networking event this evening, hosted by our lovely neighbours John Jones. 25 or so people came on a site tour of the theatre (whilst a similar number attended a tour of John Jones - well worth the visit by the way) and then around 90 people convened in John Jones' gallery space for wine, talks and a short extract from the play that our writer in residence Sarah Rutherford has been working on. The evening was attended by some key figures from the council including the Major, Phil Kelly (a local ward councillor), Paul Convery, the Executive Member for Leisure and Regeneration, and the Arts Office, Pete Courtie. It was extremely exciting to hear, from everyone, the plans for the future of Finsbury Park - and it's clear that the area will be changing significantly over the next few years.

NAUGHTY

Tuesday, 6 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

I didn't write a blog today. For the first time in.... over a year.... ever?..... oh dear... so much to do! 

NEW DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Monday, 5 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

We're very excited to welcome Annabel Topham to the team! An incredibly talented, intelligent person with a delightful bubbly personality and tremendous energy, we have no doubt that Annabel will be a valuable asset to the Park family. 

It's lovely to see some donors coming forward after all our recent tours. There are loads of ways to get involved and support us and now with Annabel on board we will be sure to power full speed ahead with our fundraising.

You can see her photo and biography under the staff page and if you'd like to talk to her about supporting us, then she would be delighted to meet with you.

On the last blog I wrote about exceeding targets for the tours - well now you can each help us to exceed our targets for our fundraising. We're going to have the most amazing building - and with all of your help we can ensure that the very best work happens both on stage and, through our community and education programmes, off.

EXCEEDING OUR TARGETS

Friday, 2 December, 2011 by Jez Bond

Earlier in the year we set ourselves a target of showing round 250 theatre companies / producers / directors by the end of this year. I'm pleased to announce that we have exceeded this target and will have shown round almost 300 by Christmas. A week tomorrow is the final group tour - an exclusive one for the NE London branch of Equity. However today was the last of the general industry tours for this year - and, across two groups, we showed round fifty people; including some West End producers and drama schools. 

The drive now over the next few weeks will be on the fundraising. Very tricky of course with Christmas looming - as people tend to focus on their own personal family commitments during this time. 

All the steel for the third floor has now been erected on site - and next week they begin on the fourth and final floor. I'll be sure to post a photo soon...!

BIRTHS, DEATHS & MARRIAGES

Thursday, 1 December, 2011 by Charlie Ward

I enjoy a good switchboard as much as the next man: the automated selection system and synthesised Wagner are enough to brighten up any winter morning, and this is particularly the case with a local government hot line.  I sometimes detect a certain wariness when I get through to an operator, almost as if I might be calling the council because I want something from them.  I do, and so the game is to make me somebody else's problem.  Each call is like a little tour of their extension list.  'You'll want to speak to Gary', I'm told, but unfortunately Gary never wants to speak to me.  It's like my fourteen-year-old love life all over again.  When I've done a full circuit of the office, they resort to desperate measures and forward me to The Answering Machine of Doom, from whose borne no message has ever returned. 

Until yesterday, that is, when I received a surprise call.  'You left a long message on my answer machine', he says.  'But I'm not quite sure why you're ringing me about your theatre.  You see - I work for Births, Deaths and Marriages.'  Not the Arts Officer, then?  He pauses and has a think.  'Arts...  Arts...  You know, I'm not sure that we do Arts anymore.'

101 DALMEMAILS

Wednesday, 30 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

At 2pm this afternoon I counted the emails that had been pouring in since 8.30am. Over 70 - and, amazingly, I had just about been keeping on top of them. By 6pm it was over 100. It's always like that on days in between tours, the buzz seems to be superstrong and traffic starts to pile up on the information highway. It's hectic, but at the same time fun - knowing that we are sparking such interest. Melli said that over the course of the day she received proposals from theatre companies throughout the UK, Australia and... Utah!

It's gone 10pm now and we've just finished a fundraising meeting. Time to.... relax a little before bed... and time to eat some chocolate....!

NEW AMBASSADOR

Tuesday, 29 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

A busy day on site today - with two industry tours and two local residents tours and meetings in between. The result of the lunchtime tour was a long chat, over 'breakfast', with director Sean Mathias - who, we're very excited to announce, joins Celia Imrie and Roger Lloyd Pack as an Ambassador for Park Theatre. Sean and I are meeting to chat about the way forward in the next week or so. So more on this anon.... Suffice to say there are some exciting opportunities for us all!

BUSY WEEKEND

Monday, 28 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

A busy weekend with an evening party, a lunch party, a rehearsal (with the kids I teach) and a show at Waterloo East Theatre. In the midst of all this, two more funding applications done. Today we're sending out five more and preparing for more site tours tomorrow...

APPLICATIONS

Friday, 25 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

Loads more applications today, so many to post out and so many emails to respond to that we still haven't plugged the new website in all the social media. I'm waiting for a time when I can dedicate 30 minutes (at least) to plastering over Facebook and Twitter and, ideally, sending out some emails. 8.30pm and typically it's still go go go here at base camp. Both Melli and I furiously working away. For her there's a week of tour left to arrange and emails still fly in every hour with new people wanting to join...

MORE TOURS

Thursday, 24 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

Whoah. I'm getting exhausted from these site tours - but, at the same time, it's great fun. Between the morning and afternoon sessions we showed round another 40 people today. Fun to point to the bay window which now proudly sits there in steel awaiting its floor and glazing. 

YOUNG VIC DIRECTORS

Wednesday, 23 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

Today we did a workshop for a group of 25 Young Vic Directors in Short Street (opposite the Young Vic). Following our many site tours (more tomorrow) it was a refreshing change to present our plans in a different space and context. Here we delivered a workshop looking - in a similar way to the transmission workshop I ran a few weeks back - at the changing styles of theatre and auditoria forms over the years. We concluded that there is a need for an extremely intimate theatre now... enter Park Theatre (and our presentation).

WELCOME TO THE NEW WEBSITE

Monday, 21 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

Well, it's been a busy year for us at Park Theatre. As we fast approach Christmas, we will have toured round over 250 theatre companies, directors and producers, we will have the majority of new steel in place and we will have launched our fundriaising initiaives.

We have been working with the wonderful 'Feast Creative' over the past few months to develop a brand. We've come up with an identity of which we are very proud and I write today's blog, for the first time, from the new website.

In a couple of weeks we will have, back from the printers, our Development Pack, which will list all the ways that people can help to support us. If you'd like to know how now you can go to the Support Us page..... you could be the first person to buy a seat!

NEW WEBSITE A MATTER OF DAYS AWAY

Friday, 18 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

Exciting times. New website days away. Development pack the same. A private launch to our board on Monday evening and then the public unveiling to follow shortly after.

OFFICE PARTY

Thursday, 17 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

If you’re expecting a night out sitting in an auditorium watching a play on stage and you’re not able to adapt your expectations then Office Party at the Pleasance just isn’t for you. If, however, you fancy a non-traditional theatrical experience, a few drinks, some laughs and perhaps the opportunity to make some friends then this is just the ticket! I won’t give it away for those who haven’t seen it but suffice to say it’s enormous fun, full of surprises and I highly recommend it.

BIT BY BIT

Wednesday, 16 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

Bit by bit today things have been getting closer to the finish line.

On site I witnessed the fitting of some of the steel that had been delivered by the crane yesterday. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle it’s all starting to take shape. The hoarding at the front has received its first coat of red and a new ramp has been erected inside, to take the new steels up half a storey to the back of the building on the upper ground floor.

THE CRANE

Tuesday, 15 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

The road was closed and the crane arrived…. Wow!

Sadly I did not make it to site today, with so much happening ‘back at the base’. Such a shame as I would have liked to video some of the manoeuvres. At least Jordan kindly emailed through some pictures.

NO TRUTH BENDING REQUIRED

Monday, 14 November, 2011 by Jez Bond

A lot of work spent on grant applications for the Education Floor today. We are about to submit our second and, hopefully, as the week continues more will flow…

It’s taken so long getting to the first one but that is apparently just the way it as; as the initial stages involve the most work – in our case re-drafting the business plan, creating a Case for Support and preparing answers for the array of questions that funders can ask.

SEASON KITCHEN

Thursday, 10 November, 2011 by Feast Creative

This evening four of us went to Season Kitchen for, shamefully, the first time. The restaurant opened earlier this year and, judging by reviews online and by the fact that it was full tonight (luckily we had booked), seems to be doing incredibly well. And so it should be – the food was delicious, the service was great, the atmosphere was just right and the bill was very reasonable (we could have well spent double in a lesser restaurant in the centre of town. A great little find – I shall certainly be spreading the word.

CHRISTMAS

by Jez Bond

In the lead up to Christmas for what do I pine the most? For the comfort of a warm fireplace and a mug of hot chocolate - for a show to stage in the new year - for a week long getaway in the Maldives? The answer is all of these things. The reality is that my Christmas pudding is still cooking - and will hopefully be plump and juicy (hold on, I think that's the goose) in time for next year.

So this year's festivities are likely to be slightly surpressed  - not in a spoilt child "where's my present" kind of way but simply due to the fact that we'll be as busy as in any other week of the year. We are seeing shows pretty much every single night between now and Christmas eve, fundraising requirements are getting more and more demanding and the workload is increasing daily - despite some of the pressure on site being taken away due to increased project management support. Can father Christmas please bring me a new brain (mine is frazzled), some extra hours in the day and some money for the education floor...