Artistic Director Adrian Berry talks Jacksons Lane Theatre’s upcoming 50th-anniversary programming: “We think of many kinds of audiences when we devise our shows”

The venue makes history by celebrating its own – presenting an exciting new offer combining a diverse repertoire with several tributes to its legacy and local community. Guillermo Nazara chats with one of the masterminds behind its evolution, to learn more about what’s in store in a season looking into both the theatre’s past and future.

How does it feel to be behind this new offer celebrating such a remarkable milestone for the venue?

I’ve been here a while, so I’m actually very proud! But also proud of the fact that it’s not only the artistic programming, but more of 360-degree plan – it encompasses history, archive, education… I’m ever so happy about all the efforts made by the entire team. We’re also trying to invite some big names that started their careers here back in the 80s and 90s, like Stewart Lee or Eddie Izzard – hopefully, they will be having a few new gigs here!

How would you define the essence of this year’s new offer?

It’s all about the people and its history. We’re trying to show what we did, but also what we attempt to do next. The other element is storytelling. We want to show our legacy through the decades, not only through those who have been part of our beginnings, but also those who have joined us most recently. I’ve been working for 17 years, so I consider myself part of the venue’s history too.

How, would you say, Jacksons Lane’s history has evolved?

Jacksons Lane’s artistic programming has changed hugely over the years. It started with community theatre; then moved into an experimental venue; later, a dance venue; when I came, it turned its focus onto circus – and it will probably change when I leave. It’s all about the evolution.

What’s the process of selecting the upcoming work been like?

We try to build a relationship with the artists we feature. Some of our performers have been collaborating with us for years. We’re not interested in one-offs, but more about keeping that connection with our artists. Some venues I know just fill spaces to present shows for audiences. Instead, we make sure that everyone that comes perform here knows us and we can support them all the way through.

How is the local community going to be integrated in this year’s programming?

One of our most exciting projects is the memory project. We’ll be presenting two thousand memories to show all our history – and everyone who can present us with one of those is welcome to contribute. Also, our archive will be displaying this brilliant collection of documents reflecting our whole evolution. We also want to involve our young producers – encouraging and nurturing new talent.

As the Artistic Director, what particular challenges have you found when arranging this upcoming programming?

The lack of funding for many artists. There have been so many rejections from the Arts Council, but we still needed to make things happen and get ahead of the game. We need to make sure that our artists are subsidized. And that can be very difficult, especially in this city. If an artist applies for the Arts Council and they are based in London, there’s a 70-per-cent-less chance of being granted support.

Would you say that the artistic community is, at least partially, at stake due to insufficient funding?

Yes! We can provide our space for them, but they still need to make a decent wage. We are not producers – so what we can give them our facilities and support. Hopefully, though, some of artists can apply to the Arts Council due to the fact that they will be performing here.

What, would you say, makes Jacksons Lane unique in comparison to other venues with a similar offer?

Many venues are quite unique. But no venue that I know is as diverse as ours. We’re not just a theatre. You may come a see a show and not know of all the other things that we do – and that’s fine. There’s a lot of social work that we do. For example, we give away 200 tickets a year to local residents. We try to merge our show with our community-conscious efforts – and that’s what makes us unique.

If you had to give me one single reason to come see Jacksons Lane’s 50th-anniversary programming, which one would it be?

I hate to use the cliche “there’s something for everyone” – but there really is! There are so many shows that you just won’t see anywhere else – at least in this country. And they are top quality in their field. We think of many kinds of audiences when we devise our shows.

All upcoming shows and tickets at Jacksons Lane Theatre are available on the following link.

By Guilermo Nazara