University Theatre
“Bless this theatre and all who laugh or cry in her.” With these words eminent film director and playwright Mike Leigh launched the new University Theatre on its “voyage of discovery”. He was special guest at the official opening of the venue on Wednesday June 18, 2008.
In his speech to 100 other guests Mike praised everyone who created the £4.8m theatre and with it “an unpredictable feast of infinite possibilities” for generations of young performers and directors.
He and Vice Chancellor Professor Frank Morgan then joined the audience for a special showcase of the students’ talents on stage. It included ‘America’ from ‘West Side Story’ and extracts from Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’, Dennis Potter’s ‘Blue Remembered Hills’ and Richard Harris’ ‘Stepping Out’, plus a song from the musical ‘Cabaret’ and a dance sequence called ‘Newmatic Grip’.
Mike’s links with the University are through Gunduz Kalic, Head of the Drama Department. They met while teaching at East 15 Acting School in London. Bath Spa’s new theatre has a 186-seat auditorium, full backstage and technical facilities and three large teaching studios.
Mike Leigh, who is famous for improvisation in all his film and stage work, created classics like ‘Abigail’s Party’, ‘Vera Drake’ and ‘Secrets and Lies’. His latest film, ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’, was released in April 2008 to widespread critical acclaim.
Professor Geoff Smith, Head of the School of Music and Performing Arts, thanked him for accepting the invitation to attend. He said: “Mike’s achievements in theatre and film are an inspirational example to our students. I hope our new theatre will nurture similar talent and creativity in the years to come.”
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