SMP Partners is further supporting the arts with sponsorship of the award-winning King’s Court Theatre at King William’s College.
As well as staging performances, the theatre in Castletown is used for live screenings of professional productions in the UK, including performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera House.
King’s Court Theatre has recently received the Best Cinema Experience award from More2Screen and the Royal Opera House, international recognition for this popular way to experience world-class performances without leaving the Island.
SMP Partners’ investment will be used to develop facilities to make it easier for people with disabilities to enjoy the theatre.
Additionally, theatre groups from around the Island using the space will benefit from the improved facilities, such as new dressing rooms, and reduced hire costs. The funding will allow college staff who look after the theatre to train members of the community in backstage skills, including sound and lighting, providing more trained and experienced technicians to benefit amateur dramatics across the Island.
The sponsorship adds to the many causes SMP Partners supports including local theatrical performances such as Move It at the Oscars, Oliver! and The Phantom of the Opera, the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy and a nominated charity of the year.
Mark Denton, Managing Director of SMP Partners, said: ‘It’s a pleasure to be sponsoring the King’s Court Theatre as it’s a wonderful place for people to experience topflight performances without the expense of travelling to the UK. The theatre also provides a fantastic venue for local groups, including young acting talent and behind-the-scenes personnel, to hone their skills.
‘We’re looking forward to working with theatre staff as they develop the facilities to make it accessible for more in the community and I’m sure many of our staff members will attend to enjoy the excellent screenings and performances that are lined up.’
David Dawson, Theatre Manager at the King’s Court Theatre, said: ‘We are so grateful to SMP Partners for the generous sponsorship which will not only help improve our facilities but make the theatre more accessible for everyone in our community. The screenings have proven to be a real hit and we hope to build on this throughout 2017.’
Performances this month include the RSC’s The Tempest on the 20th January, and No Man’s Land starring Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen on the 24th January.
Photo - Managing Director of SMP Partners Mark Denton (left) and King’s Court Theatre Manager David Dawson.
