It had colour, music, fire, drama, surprises and sensational special effects. The I Love Culture Show at the Villa Marina on Saturday September 20th was a unique occasion…a celebration of some of the finest Manx talent in a spectacular three-hour show.
A show like no other: from the awakening of Manannan though the mists to excerpts from Les Miserables, dance – from traditional to ‘street’, the massed voices of Cleveland medallists and a guest appearance by Davy Knowles, the I Love Culture Show delivered what it had always promised: in the words of Island of Culture events director Michael Lees, ‘A joyous celebration that everyone across the Manx nation would love.’
The show, an Island of Culture event in association with Manx Telecom, was put together by Stage Door Entertainment. The company’s Alex Toohey said: ‘It was such a privilege to be given the opportunity to produce this show. Having rehearsed all the sections separately for months, the most exciting part was seeing it all come together and the fantastic team spirit that emerged. We are thrilled with the results and cannot thank everyone enough for their hard work and support. All of the cast excelled themselves and we were blessed with the most professional technical team and crew. We feel very proud of our wonderful island and its rich culture. We have been overwhelmed by all the messages of congratulations and appreciation and we look forward to our future projects.’
The show provided an opportunity to welcome back to the Island not only Davy Knowles, an Island of Culture youth cultural ambassador, but also Manxman Stephen Palfreman, now enjoying success in London’s West End, who joined the local cast of Les Miserables as Javert.
Ahead of the show Island of Culture youth cultural ambassadors Lloyd Mayor and Jason Evans also sent filmed best wishes, as did Sam Barks.
Events director Michael Lees said: ‘The show was a triumph, artistically and technically. A feast for the senses that clearly the audience loved as much as the cast members, who all rose magnificently to the challenge and gave us an evening of unforgettable entertainment.
‘This was a huge collaborative project made possible through the support of so many, not least the Isle of Man Arts Council and Manx Telecom, as well as our financial partners and the 200-strong cast who embraced the idea so wholeheartedly from day one.
‘Right from the outset of Island of Culture 2014 we wanted the year to showcase “culture” in its widest sense; to redefine and re-imagine culture, make it relevant to today and accessible to all ages and all tastes. The I Love Culture Show interpreted those aspirations with vision, innovation and an unbridled enthusiasm that gave us a wonderful evening and made everyone in the Royal Hall that night proud to be part of the Manx nation.’
A bucket collection at the end of the show, organised by Trinity Methodist Church, raised ?768.63, to be divided between Isle of Man Hospice’s Rebecca House, Manx Breast Cancer Support Group for the new dedicated breast care unit at Noble's Hospital and the Disasters Emergency Committee Gaza Appeal.
Photo - Stephen Palfreman as Javert. Picture courtesy of DAM Productions.
