All systems go at the Tivoli

Marilyn Barber speaks to Charlie North Lewis

newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk

Interviewed for this magazine in April, Charlie North Lewis, general manager of the Tivoli was optimistic about the future of the Wimborne theatre, and now his hopes and ambitions have raised further with the full opening of this muchloved asset in the town.

“The Bohemians and Barry Steele as Roy Orbison were brilliant, and you have to remember they hadn’t worked for 18 months,” he said.

“We’re so glad that the bar has now opened and there are no restricted seats, although we do encourage people to follow government guidelines.”

Although Charlie is concerned that some new films go to streaming services, he said people still want to go to the cinema to see new releases on the big screen, as it’s a night out.

He acknowledged that the last 18 months had been testing as so many shows had to be cancelled and rebooked several times. “When a live show changed the date, we blocked it from sale, and put in a new date. We did everything to inform people and it was a lot of extra work.”

Once again Charlie paid tribute to Alan Breakwell, chairman of the trustees, for his financial management. “He is a money magician, and has been clever and careful.”

An appeal to the public for support raised more than £70,000 and the Tivoli received an award of £144,474 from the Culture Recovery Fund.

“The generosity of people was staggering,” Charlie said. “And we even had people who had booked to see a film who told us to hang onto the money. One very generous person, who didn’t live in Wimborne, sent us a cheque for £2,000.”

He acknowledged that audiences would need to build back up, but reckoned this should be achieved by the autumn.

“It will be good to see the return of Wimborne Drama with their production of Towards Zero,” he said. (21-23 October).

Other popular acts booked are Andy Fairweather Low, Tallon, Counterfeit Stones and Marty Wilde. The Tom Waters Band and Hannah Robinson have been re-scheduled. Tickets for the panto Sleeping Beauty are selling well.

“Last year we had to stop the panto mid way through the run because of lockdown, but it did well with Covid seating when it ran earlier this year,” said Charlie.

He responded to criticism that the Tivoli stages too many tribute bands: “I am always being inundated with agents wanting to book their bands but I am very selective and always check them out on YouTube.”

Charlie became general manager in 2002 when he said the income was £250,000. He said: “At the end of my first year it was £350,000. Prior to Covid it was over £1million,

“I am feeling very optimistic and I think it is important to have the glass half full. In 2022 it will certainly be all systems go at the Tivoli.”

To book tickets call 01202 885566 or visit the Tivoli website.