In honor of The OldMarket Theatre's bicentennial, the location plans to present an array of thrilling performances for a Brighton crowd that adores the groundbreaking programming which characterizes this distinctive theater.
To celebrate the anniversary, The Old Market (TOM) has initiated a fundraising drive supported by the arts collective STOMP. Fatboy Slim aimed at raising £100,000 (€119,000) by year-end for essential renovations to the facility.
When it was initially founded in 1825, The Old Market functioned as a marketplace. As expected, this was its primary role. Architect Charles Busby crafted the original Regency structure with the aim of supporting the growing needs of Hove's bustling port in the Brunswick district.
For some time, it stayed as a marketplace until it transformed into a riding school and stable. As with everything else, old British theatres The Old Market also boasts several spirits. One of its most renowned phantoms originates from this period. As told by the Creative Director of TOM to Euronews, "Rumors persist about a spectral horse that roams inside the structure."
During the 1980s, TOM transformed into an arts center. After undergoing renovations to accommodate artistic activities, the location served as the backdrop for the innovative concepts developed by Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell. These two individuals later founded the highly successful rhythm performance troupe known as STOMP.
Jewell has been associated with the theater since STOMP acquired the venue in 2010. Back then, the place was heading towards receivership, and the group based in Brighton wasn't willing to let go of what had become a crucial element of their artistic journeys.
"It was a labor of love for them," Jewell clarifies. "We genuinely had no idea where the program would expand, so it developed quite naturally." According to Jewell, TOM expanded within the "blurry boundaries of genres" similar to how STOMP’s performances thrive at the intersection of theater, percussion, and music.
Right from the start, TOM embraced multifaceted productions. Primarily functioning as a black box theater, the space also offers a variety of performances like those in their In The Box series, where quad-projectors create an immersive experience for audience members during live events. This engaging setting has hosted everything from electronic music by Brighton-based artist Fatboy Slim to spoken word presentations. Coming up later this year, renowned musician James Lavelle will return with his trip-hop outfit UNKLE Sounds for a special performance.
In addition to its technologically advanced features, the program promotes diversity as well. Since 2018, their Reigning Women initiative has featured works from 77 female artists. This year includes events such as 'I AM - OommoO', an Afro-futurist narrative evening where writer LULA.XYZ delves into her Ethiopian-British background using the MiMu gloves popularized by Imogen Heap.
We collaborate with many up-and-coming artists, but it's also an excellent venue for established figures such as Norman [Fatboy Slim] to visit," Jewells explains. Maintaining the "greenhouse environment" for new talent remains crucial for TOM. "This aspect is truly vital because these types of venues are disappearing very quickly right now.
Currently, this period is not a prosperous or joyful era for the arts sector in the UK. A study conducted by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre indicated that up to four out of every ten theaters might be forced to close within the coming half-decade unless they receive substantial financial support through investments. This warning was issued in their report released earlier last year.
Theater and music venues are located at higher chance amid the present economic climate Owing to escalating rental fees, increased energy costs, and decreased enthusiasm for physical gatherings post-pandemic, Jewell remarks, "The economic hardship faced by individuals is undeniable. Therefore, we can’t increase ticket prices to the extent needed for sustainability."
Over the last ten years or so, TOM managed to operate partly due to support from STOMP. In April of last year, the organization shifted to become a charity. This change allowed them to expand their revenue sources; however, it also reduced their financial stability.
Just like managing any 200-year-old structure, various updates are necessary. This includes fresh paint jobs as well as enhancements to the lighting and audio capabilities.
Given the expenses associated with operating a space within a historic structure, maybe TOM might consider opting for a less elaborate program. How about featuring a production of Shakespeare paired with recognizable talent to attract audiences from Brighton?
There are plenty of venues that excel at presenting traditional texts, but our focus has consistently been on pushing boundaries," Jewell responds. "Additionally, we cater to an audience eager for new experiences, ready to embark on this journey alongside us.
An additional instance of this innovation is #TOMtech, where the venue combines conventional performances with technological advancements. Artists are prompted to integrate new technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), motion capture, and 360-degree filmmaking into their work.
It's also evident in how TOM engages with the community. Over the last five years, they've maintained the Hera partnership, an effort alongside the NHS aimed at shaping the theater's programming based on the healthcare and well-being requirements of the audience.
This method of programming can yield benefits not only economically but also culturally. Since STOMP was permitted to expand into an internationally successful phenomenon that engaged participants. 2012 London Olympics The closing ceremony will feature additional performances from venues similar to TOM.
I believe it’s very myopic to withhold support from the venues that are producing the work which will ultimately yield substantial financial gains," Jewell states. "It's crucial that we maintain a steady flow of talent. Without this, we'll face a shortage of artists. These individuals are experiencing immense stress and lack the room needed for experimentation and innovation. It's precisely within these trials that exceptional work emerges.