Stars Flock to Eddie Gig
Sunday the 2
nd
October, will go down in
the history books of Shanklin Theatre. An enquiry from an agent that we work with came as a sudden & unexpected surprise. We were advised that Eddie Izzard was filming ‘Victoria & Abdul’ on the Island for around three weeks, and the comic wanted to arrange a performance of his ‘Force Majeure’ show. With time being of the essence, we agreed a date within 48 hours. The major reason for Eddie's request was, to entertain those involved in all aspects of the film production taking place at Osborne House, in East Cowes. As a result, some 170 guests attended the sell-out show on the night. The next arrangement to be made was for a private after show reception. This took place in our bar area. The film called ‘Victoria and Abdul’ stars Dame Judi Dench who plays Victoria, along with Eddie and others including Tim Pigott-Smith, and Adeel Akhtar, who plays Abdul, film director Stephen Frears was also there on the night. One highlight of the evening, was Dame Judi visiting the reception, and on the way viewing the display of theatrical posters in the theatre’s downstairs area. The most poignant moment came when, Dame Judi spotted a poster of the 1967 play called 'The Promise’, which she recalled acting in alongside Ian McKellen, the play ran in the London’s West End for over nine months at the Fortune Theatre. Vic Farrow 9|Page
Dame Judi Dench with Vic Farrow at Shanklin Theatre looking at the West End poster with the actress billed on it.
Eddie was kind enough to donate the fee for the marathon night-during which he ran his full set with no break- to two Island charities, the Rainbow Club and Layla’s Trust, the trust supports families with terminally ill children, or disabled youngsters with life-limiting conditions. Fans were also able to grab pictures with the comedian before & after the show.