Sugary Cove
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Looking down to the sea from the top path at Sugary Cove Picnic Site
Six years on from the initial idea of forming a Theatre Company to present an open-air Shakesperean production, The Inn Theatre Company are not resting on their laurels.
Our aim has always been to bring live theatre to as many people in Dartmouth, the South Hams and Devon as is possible.
As we have said elsewhere, we are an amateur company with profoundly professional values and we are always seeking new and exciting ways to present live theatre and involve the community in this process; and we are currently embarking upon our most adventurous and exciting project yet! Below is the news story that has recently been released:
Our aim has always been to bring live theatre to as many people in Dartmouth, the South Hams and Devon as is possible.
As we have said elsewhere, we are an amateur company with profoundly professional values and we are always seeking new and exciting ways to present live theatre and involve the community in this process; and we are currently embarking upon our most adventurous and exciting project yet! Below is the news story that has recently been released:
EXCITING NEW OPEN AIR THEATRE FOR DARTMOUTH
The Inn Theatre Company is hoping to establish an open-air theatre in Dartmouth, to operate throughout the summer months.
They have for the past five years organised the highly successful Dartmouth Shakespeare Week, and based on their experience, they believe there is a market for a more permanent open-air theatre. They are hoping that this will become a major tourist attraction for the South Hams, in a similar way to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall.
They have already had informal discussions with South Hams District Council, and a possible location has been identified. This is the picnic site above Sugary Cove, which is more or less a natural amphitheatre and flat ‘stage’ area.
The initial reaction of people who have seen the plans at SHDC is very favourable and the organisers have received a letter of support from the Council. It is now proposed to move on to the second phase of the project, which is the general consultation process.
The Inn Theatre Company has already put out feelers to the Tourist Information Centre and members of Dartmouth Town Council, purely on an informal basis. So far the response has been very encouraging, but they hope to widen this consultation so that everyone can have their say.
Only if there is general support and agreement from the town, will they move on to the third phase, which would be to prepare a business plan and do costings for the project.
The outline plan is to terrace the bank at the picnic site to provide seating for up to 500 people. The audience would thus look down on the actors and also be able to take in the spectacular view over the sea. The plan would also involve a special removable wooden stage to provide a suitable performance area for actors, musicians and dancers.
The day to day operation of the theatre would be run very closely on the Minack lines, where each week a different visiting company performs a play or musical event. Theatre companies from across the country perform at the Minack, and competition is fierce to have the privilege of performing there. The organisers therefore believe they will be providing an additional location for these companies in the beautiful setting of Dartmouth. The organisers also envisage the theatre to be used for educational purposes and would involve the whole community in an artistic project to compliment the Flavel. Together with the Flavel, the Music Festival, The Comedy Festival etc., Dartmouth could become a centre of excellence for the performing arts in the South Hams.
The Inn Theatre Company is hoping to establish an open-air theatre in Dartmouth, to operate throughout the summer months.
They have for the past five years organised the highly successful Dartmouth Shakespeare Week, and based on their experience, they believe there is a market for a more permanent open-air theatre. They are hoping that this will become a major tourist attraction for the South Hams, in a similar way to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall.
They have already had informal discussions with South Hams District Council, and a possible location has been identified. This is the picnic site above Sugary Cove, which is more or less a natural amphitheatre and flat ‘stage’ area.
The initial reaction of people who have seen the plans at SHDC is very favourable and the organisers have received a letter of support from the Council. It is now proposed to move on to the second phase of the project, which is the general consultation process.
The Inn Theatre Company has already put out feelers to the Tourist Information Centre and members of Dartmouth Town Council, purely on an informal basis. So far the response has been very encouraging, but they hope to widen this consultation so that everyone can have their say.
Only if there is general support and agreement from the town, will they move on to the third phase, which would be to prepare a business plan and do costings for the project.
The outline plan is to terrace the bank at the picnic site to provide seating for up to 500 people. The audience would thus look down on the actors and also be able to take in the spectacular view over the sea. The plan would also involve a special removable wooden stage to provide a suitable performance area for actors, musicians and dancers.
The day to day operation of the theatre would be run very closely on the Minack lines, where each week a different visiting company performs a play or musical event. Theatre companies from across the country perform at the Minack, and competition is fierce to have the privilege of performing there. The organisers therefore believe they will be providing an additional location for these companies in the beautiful setting of Dartmouth. The organisers also envisage the theatre to be used for educational purposes and would involve the whole community in an artistic project to compliment the Flavel. Together with the Flavel, the Music Festival, The Comedy Festival etc., Dartmouth could become a centre of excellence for the performing arts in the South Hams.
An idea of the scale of the acting area
The path to the proposed audience area
When the idea was first mooted, at an ad hoc meeting of the 'luvvies', all those present spent a moment looking from one to the other, quite surprised at our own boldness/courage/stupidity at even thinking that such a thing might be plausible, let alone possible and achievable. But nothing is ever accomplished without that first, sometimes daring, 'what if' moment. This was our 'what if' moment...in spades!
It's at moments such as these that a quiet, calming voice of reason usually speaks up and points out the flaws in such grandiose schemes. So we put this mad-cap notion to our voice of reason - and he, bless him, thought for a moment and said, 'Well, it could work...'
It's at moments such as these that a quiet, calming voice of reason usually speaks up and points out the flaws in such grandiose schemes. So we put this mad-cap notion to our voice of reason - and he, bless him, thought for a moment and said, 'Well, it could work...'
The possibilities for a scheme such as this are almost limitless and the benefits for everyone bordering on the same. But, as with anything of this nature, there are channels that have to be gone through, proceedures that need to be followed and, most importantly, everyone has to be consulted and their opinions garnered.
It cannot be entered into lightly but, as with everything that The Inn Theatre Company does, it will be entered into with enthusiasm, commitment and a belief that this can and, with the support of everyone, will be a success.
If you have come to this page to see what the plans for Sugary Cove are but have little idea as to what The Inn Theatre Company actually do and who they are, please, take a minute of two and have a look at the rest of this site: discover what drives us; see how we operate and, hopefully, realise that we are a Company that can make this exciting project work and be of benefit to all.
These pages are updated on a regular basis, so any developments, whether they concern the Cove or future productions, will be found here.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and we look forward to meeting you at one of our productions.
It cannot be entered into lightly but, as with everything that The Inn Theatre Company does, it will be entered into with enthusiasm, commitment and a belief that this can and, with the support of everyone, will be a success.
If you have come to this page to see what the plans for Sugary Cove are but have little idea as to what The Inn Theatre Company actually do and who they are, please, take a minute of two and have a look at the rest of this site: discover what drives us; see how we operate and, hopefully, realise that we are a Company that can make this exciting project work and be of benefit to all.
These pages are updated on a regular basis, so any developments, whether they concern the Cove or future productions, will be found here.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and we look forward to meeting you at one of our productions.
The area that will seat the audience.
As with anything that involves a large number of people, time can appear to drag interminably. But, we are happy to say, the Sugary Cove Project is moving forward, albeit at its own pace! Malcolm Kevin and Jane made a presentation to Dartmouth Town Council recently and were questioned closely by the members. The result of that meeting is reproduced below:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
PROPOSAL FOR OPEN AIR THEATRE - SUGARY COVE, DARTMOUTH.
PROPOSAL FOR OPEN AIR THEATRE - SUGARY COVE, DARTMOUTH.
This is to confirm that Dartmouth Town Council support the proposal for an Open Air Theatre at Sugary Cove, Dartmouth.
The potential project could provide considerable benefits to the residents and visitors to Dartmouth. These include sustainable economic benefits to the Town and its Tourist Information Cantre, and improve the quality and access to Castle Estate.
The potential project could provide considerable benefits to the residents and visitors to Dartmouth. These include sustainable economic benefits to the Town and its Tourist Information Cantre, and improve the quality and access to Castle Estate.
So, there you have it, from the horses mouth as it were! Needless to say, everyone at The Inn Theatre Company is utterly delighted - but under absolutely no illusions whatsoever that it is now that hard work actually begins!
We will be undertaking a visit to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, as soon as this years Dartmouth Shakespeare Week production is over, to seek advice and ideas from the people who have run the Minack for years. And they, bless 'em, are only too happy to help, it seems!
Then we have to undertake a feasibility study and present that to all concerned. It may take a while, but we are determined to see the Open Air Theatre, and Dartmouth itself, become a centre of excellence for the performing arts.
It's all quite exciting, isn't it?
We will be undertaking a visit to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, as soon as this years Dartmouth Shakespeare Week production is over, to seek advice and ideas from the people who have run the Minack for years. And they, bless 'em, are only too happy to help, it seems!
Then we have to undertake a feasibility study and present that to all concerned. It may take a while, but we are determined to see the Open Air Theatre, and Dartmouth itself, become a centre of excellence for the performing arts.
It's all quite exciting, isn't it?
BELOW IS THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE SUGARY COVE PROJECT.
The Longhouse
Strete
Dartmouth TQ6 0RN
Devon
T: +44 1803 771136
F: +44 1803 771136
M: 07974 950 990
E: bobrharrison@aol.com
Mr M. Macintosh
9th April 2009
Dear Sir,
THE INN THEATRE COMPANY
The cruise industry are constantly looking and asking for reasons to bring their vessels to a port / destination.
This proposed project not only gives an added reason to call Dartmouth but Torbay and Plymouth as well, it also gives the various cruise lines a reason to stay ‘late’.
The economic benefit a cruise ship ‘staying late’ can bring to a local community is obvious and gives an added bonus when marketing Devon to the cruise industry worldwide.
On behalf of Destination Southwest I fully support ‘in principle’ this initiative.
Sincerely,
Bob Harrison
Bob Harrison
Director Cruise Operations
Destination Southwest
Strete
Dartmouth TQ6 0RN
Devon
T: +44 1803 771136
F: +44 1803 771136
M: 07974 950 990
E: bobrharrison@aol.com
Mr M. Macintosh
9th April 2009
Dear Sir,
THE INN THEATRE COMPANY
The cruise industry are constantly looking and asking for reasons to bring their vessels to a port / destination.
This proposed project not only gives an added reason to call Dartmouth but Torbay and Plymouth as well, it also gives the various cruise lines a reason to stay ‘late’.
The economic benefit a cruise ship ‘staying late’ can bring to a local community is obvious and gives an added bonus when marketing Devon to the cruise industry worldwide.
On behalf of Destination Southwest I fully support ‘in principle’ this initiative.
Sincerely,
Bob Harrison
Bob Harrison
Director Cruise Operations
Destination Southwest
After a period when things seemed to have ground to a halt, we have had a flurry of activity that gives us all hope that project will now be going full-speed ahead, not languishing in the doldrums!
We have had a huge amount of support from very many different places and, in the not-too-distant future, we hope to be able to put on an exhibition to show everyone how far we have progressed with the project and what the ideas look like.
It must be stressed, however, that, until all the feasibility reports are in and the likely cost of the project has been ascertained, these remain just as they appear to be: ideas and dreams that stand a chance of becoming an exciting, vibrant reality!
Below are some examples of the important and enthusiastic endorsements that the project has received. If you would like to add your voice to these, please, drop us a line via the get-in-touch page on this web-site. Conversely, if you would like to voice an adverse opinion, get in touch too and we will do our level best to answer your questions and put any misgivings you may have to rest.
We have had a huge amount of support from very many different places and, in the not-too-distant future, we hope to be able to put on an exhibition to show everyone how far we have progressed with the project and what the ideas look like.
It must be stressed, however, that, until all the feasibility reports are in and the likely cost of the project has been ascertained, these remain just as they appear to be: ideas and dreams that stand a chance of becoming an exciting, vibrant reality!
Below are some examples of the important and enthusiastic endorsements that the project has received. If you would like to add your voice to these, please, drop us a line via the get-in-touch page on this web-site. Conversely, if you would like to voice an adverse opinion, get in touch too and we will do our level best to answer your questions and put any misgivings you may have to rest.
14th April 2009
Proposed Development of Open Air Theatre in Dartmouth
I am writing on behalf of South West Tourism regarding development the above proposed development.
South West Tourism undertook a fundamental review tourism development in 2004 and produced the new regional tourism strategy Towards 2015.
This strategy has been widely adopted across the region and has been held up as an exemplar strategy for the wise development of a sustainable tourism offering that will provide the economic and employment benefits the region needs.
At the heart of the strategy are two main drivers, these being the need to “drive up quality” with the second being the essential requirement to create a more sustainable tourism industry.
The proposed development is clearly about driving up the quality of both the visitor and local population’s cultural experience in a way that the Minack Theatre does for West Cornwall.
On both counts South West Tourism welcomes developments such as this, as there is a clear priority for the development of tourism in the region.
It is important that we drive up the quality of all aspects of a holiday from the accommodation used, food and drink consumed and activities undertaken such as cultural events with cultural tourism being one of the fastest growing sector of tourism.
Finally, it should be stated that South West Tourism is pleased to offer this regional perspective, advice and opinion in relation to how a planning decision will impact the tourism industry, however we do not have specific expertise in the relevant local planning issues and respectfully leave planning judgements to the relevant Local Authority Officers, especially in regard to design, environmental impact and wider local community acceptability .
Yours sincerely
MALCOLM BELL
Chief Executive
Tel. 01392 353201
Email: mbell@swtourism.co.uk
As can been seen from the above, there are very specific issues that we need to address in getting this project to fruition; which is why we, as a company, are determined to go about this in the correct manner.
The picnic site above Sugary Cove is a natural amphitheatre (and at this point, it might a good idea to stress that it is the picnic site ABOVE Sugary Cove that is the target for developement NOT the cove itself!) and a perfect place for a project such as we have envisaged.
Every effort will be made, is being made, to ensure that any future developement will adhere to all local by-laws and be as sustainably green as is humanly possible.
The picnic site above Sugary Cove is a natural amphitheatre (and at this point, it might a good idea to stress that it is the picnic site ABOVE Sugary Cove that is the target for developement NOT the cove itself!) and a perfect place for a project such as we have envisaged.
Every effort will be made, is being made, to ensure that any future developement will adhere to all local by-laws and be as sustainably green as is humanly possible.
To Whom It may Concern
Proposal for an Open Air Theatre at Sugary Cove
Dartmouth.
I am writing on behalf of the Director's of the Dartmouth Information
Centre, to give our supprot to the Inn Theatre Company's proposals for an
open air theatre at Sugary Cove.
We see this proposal as a boost for quaslity tourism business in the area with
porbable increased bookings for restaurants/cafes and accomadation as
well as another reason for visitors to make Dartmouth their choice for short break holidays.
It would also add to the facilities available for local residents in Dartmouth
and the surrounding areas. We feel that with close co-operation with the Flavel
on the entertainment that the two venues might host will be extremely
important for the financila well-being of both.
Proposal for an Open Air Theatre at Sugary Cove
Dartmouth.
I am writing on behalf of the Director's of the Dartmouth Information
Centre, to give our supprot to the Inn Theatre Company's proposals for an
open air theatre at Sugary Cove.
We see this proposal as a boost for quaslity tourism business in the area with
porbable increased bookings for restaurants/cafes and accomadation as
well as another reason for visitors to make Dartmouth their choice for short break holidays.
It would also add to the facilities available for local residents in Dartmouth
and the surrounding areas. We feel that with close co-operation with the Flavel
on the entertainment that the two venues might host will be extremely
important for the financila well-being of both.