VENUE ROUND-UP
We take a look at what staff have been up to in the regional venues!
The 19 July 2022 was an historic day. It marked the day that New Theatre Cardiff FOH manager, Phil Sage, started working at the theatre! Unofficially it is longer than that, as Phil’s mum used to work in the theatre bars and when she couldn’t get a babysitter, she would bring him along on her shift.
The above photo was taken last year when venue staff held a surprise reception for him to celebrate his then 45 years there. The theatre still hadn’t reopened at that point and it was prior to the TE acquisition. Congratulations Phil!
Phil in the early ’80’s – in the old stalls bar – which is now the Richard Burton Room 
Phil (third from the right, back row) at at City Hall event for all theatre staff
On 31 July the public turned up in their droves to enjoy Out of the Deep Blue: a large-scale outdoor performance featuring a 4m tall sea giant puppet and a contemporary dancer, inspired by the themes of the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. Wyvern Theatre in partnership with the inSwindon BID Co. welcomed the spectacle to Swindon town centre, to help celebrate Ocean’s Awareness Week and raise awareness of the climate crisis.
The event was designed specifically for family and festival audiences and told the magical story of Eko, a sea giant who rose from the deep ocean and who encountered, on the shore, a courageous little girl called Violet – a story about the power of empathy and collaboration between these two beings – an ancient creature, a dispirited teen.
Out of the Deep Blue
Wyvern Theatre Director, Laura James, said: “It has been a really incredible experience having Out Of The Deep Blue with us in Swindon. Watching Eko walk through the Town Centre followed by crowds in awe of him was simply magical and something I won’t forget for a long time. What a pleasure to host such an event along with inSwindon BID Co.”
Out of the Deep Blue
Finally, Hospitality Staff from all venues were invited to Marshfield Farm Trade Open Day on 12 July.
Lynn Best and Vivien Harvey from The Beck, Adam Morgan and Michael Carter from Crewe Lyceum and Rob Carr, Zoe Harris and Michael Gattoc from Wycombe Swan were among those in attendance.
The group enjoyed tours of the farm and the Ice Cream Factory, followed by Ice Cream tasting!
