Tivoli optimism for future

Photo and interview by Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

The past couple of years have been challenging to say the least for theatres across the region and Charlie North Lewis, general manager of the Tivoli admits that they are still getting a fall out from Covid.

But, as ever, he is optimistic as the Wimborne theatre has always received huge support from people not only in the town but from the surrounding areas.

“I still have to move shows sometimes as I might get a call to say that a bass player is unwell and they have to get a replacement,” Charlie said.

One of the problems he is encountering is people leaving it to the last moment to book shows in case they are pulled or rescheduled.

“Also some people are still nervous about sitting in a theatre,” he said.

He had praise for Wimborne Drama who are staging Love From a Stranger an Agatha Christie thriller at the theatre from 20-22 October.

“They choose plays that people want to watch and there are no weak performers,” he said.

He acknowledged that the Tivoli is always competing against theatres in Poole and Bournemouth, but manages to hold its own.

And films are always a big draw.

“Downton Abbey did very well, as do movies with big stars such as Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep and Judi Dench.

“September is looking good and we have the film Where the Crawdads Sing from 12 to 14 September and The George Harrison Project on 2 September.

“I am confident about the future of the Tivoli, as people love coming to the films, and agents are always keen to book us.”

Looking to the autumn he said he was pleased to see the return of Andy Fairweather Low, Marty Wilde, Counterfeit Stones, Tallon and Jim Davidson.

“People expect to see our regular performers who are usually a sell out.

“Ben Waters will be coming too – and it would be good if he brought one of his favourite friends,” Charlie said, alluding to the time when those included Ronnie Wood and the late Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones.

Charlie still has high ambitions and said he would love to see Mick Jagger and Keith Richards on the Tivoli stage.

In the meantime he has some other big names coming for next year including Lulu – he did the sound for her in 1981 – Paul Young, Marti Pellow and Francis Rossi.

Charlie reminded readers that bookings are now open for the panto Aladdin, which runs from Friday 16 December until Monday 2 January.

“I am grateful for all the volunteers who are quite prepared to come in and help at short notice and of course for the support of our regular theatregoers,” he said.