Theatre professional Josh Sills is back on home turf working as Manager at Watersmeet as well as running the Carol Kristian Theatre School (CKTS) in Chorleywood. And you’d be hard pushed to find anybody more passionate about providing quality entertainment for all ages and encouraging young people to enjoy and take part in performing arts.
Josh joined Watersmeet as the venue was about to enter a new phase
“ Over the last ten years Watersmeet was predominantly a venue for hire “ explains Josh, “Although this is til our main focus and anuone can hire the venue for shows, weddings, meetings or events we are now in a solid position where we can broaden the programme. We are showing more films which have proved popular. Children’s titles are doing really well and tickets are cheap – just £2.50 and £3.50. We have exhibitions, talks, demonstrations and taster sessions in our foyer gallery space Artistsmeet.
The bar area has been improved, new air conditioning installed for ht comfort of customers and we are hiring out the venue for more weddings and corporate functions – the raked floor becomes a level area and theatre seats are removed to make a cabaret style space accommodating 250 guests. We are planning more comedy and music acts for 2017 which should attract a wider audience but especially appeal to those in their 30s and 40s.
My role is so varied – there is something new every day!”
——————————————————————————-
When we visited Watersmeet in early October the place was buzzing… Josh was in conversation with The National Theatre investigating future live streaming possibilities ( now approved and NT Live will be launched in Jan 2017), the box office was taking a succession of panto booking calls and a work experience student was learning the computer system. In the Foyer, artist Jane Glynn, was setting out her display of magical mini books at Artistsmeet. (This month the Artistsmeet exhibition is Works on Paper is RMS Girls and reveals the students’ personal folders and sketchbooks used for their exam preparation in Art or Textile Design.)
Upstairs, the cast of Jack in the Beanstalk, (including STEPS’ Lee Latchford-Evans and BGT’s impressionist, Darren Altman) was getting involved in a panto photo session with photographer Sue Lacey and a video was being shot on stage by production company Paul Holman Associates. It was all go.
As Josh says, every day is different – check out future Watersmeet events at www.watersmeet.co.uk
Watersmeet, High St, Rickmansworth WD3 1EH, 01923 711063
Details of Jack in the Beanstalk on p22
Christmas Community Print Workshop in conjunction with Artistsmeet, Thurs 8 December, 11.30am – 1.30pm, Rickmansworth Baptist church, WD3 1EH
Info from elaine.johnson@threerivers.co.uk