Conrad Lynch: “This season we are championing female mid-career artists and the more senior creatives who still have much to offer.”
Conrad Lynch © www.stevenbarber.com
Conrad Lynch has just come from his first season launch in his new position and he’s on a bit of a high. “The reaction from friends, family, audiences and volunteers has been wonderful,” explains Lynch. “We had almost a full house for the season launch; it’s lovely when you get such a positive reaction.”
Lynch is the new Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Theatre by the Lake in Keswick (TBTL) – Cumbria’s only ACE funded producing theatre – which recently launched its vibrant 2017 season – marking the theatre’s daring move to being a producer-led venue for the first time. Bursting with World Premieres, Regional Premieres, new collaborations and new writing – this exciting and ambitious programme aims to surprise and delight audiences whilst highlight Lynch’s desires to offer fresh, innovative and unforgettable theatre for all. This excellent season includes Co-productions with Royal Exchange Theatre, English Touring Theatre, Shared Experience and Jermyn Street Theatre.
Success and Challenges of 2016
Thinking back, he reflects on the successes and challenges of 2016 “It was an extraordinary year for our region, following the severe weather where communities in Cumbria were flooded again – some for the third time in less than a month – following torrential rain and high winds, a certain Dunkirk spirit really came through”- He adopts his best brooding artistic director tone – “With the current global political landscape who knows what is around the corner; part of our job is to entertain and make people forget any worries that they have.”
Arts organisations’ role in making work accessible
Arts organisations have a vital role to play when it comes to making work that is accessible for all. It seems many we are finally waking up to the point that inclusivity, not ticking boxes, can revitalise output and result in more meaningful community engagement. It is very obvious that creative organisations can’t afford not to do these things if they want to stick around. “Diversity is a really broad topic and it’s about different things in different places,” He elaborates. “We need to not only reflect the make-up of the UK on our stages and the artists we work with but look at soci-economic challenges particularly those affecting rural areas, age and gender – this season we are championing female mid-career artists and the more senior creatives who still have much to offer.”
Lets not reinforce the idea that regional theatre doesn’t cut the mustard like London theatre does…
Budget cuts, rising travel costs –make it tough for audiences to get to work in remote areas but let’s not reinforce the idea that regional theatre doesn’t cut the mustard like London theatre does. Not only is Theatre by the Lake situated in the most tranquil spot of Derwent Water, but the artistic programme, and 2017 season is a fine example of a theatre being very cunningly matched to a particular geography and context. Lynch is very clear in his hopes and ambition for the organisation. “We want to make sure we continue to punch above our weight as a producing venue and we want to shout about our work,” He explains. “Going forward, I am very mindful of not working with my mates; it’s really very important to hear fresh voices and work in partnership. We have to provide value for money for the public subsidy that we receive.”
I for one can’t wait to pay Theatre by the Lake a visit, later this year.
