The Right Place, The Right Time
A John Hemson Associates film “The Right Place, The Right Time” about the building and life of Milton Keynes Theatre. It is narrated by Kevin Whately and shows shots of the construction of the theatre and scenes from the front of house, behind the scenes and of rehearsals and performances.
The film opens with John Hemson Associates credits and a statement dedicating the it to the memory of Sean Hennessy 1947-1995 followed by a curtain backdrop with ‘MILTON KEYNES THEATRE’. We then see an aerial view of Milton Keynes’ city centre closing on the theatre with notes stating : “Theatre, The right place, the right time. June 1997”. The narration begins by Kevin Whately and shows scenes from the ground-breaking ceremony he attended on the 18 June 1997.
Overview of the inside of the theatre starting with a delivery of costumes. The film cuts to a brass band playing outside the theatre on opening day watched by spectators and shots of the buildings. There are then posters of the different shows held at the theatre moving across the screen. A computer generated video depiction of the theatre shows the outside and inside of the theatre. This is followed by shots outside the theatre of people walking about the site and of the Art Gallery. The Gallery has a Gilbert and George exhibition ‘The Rudimentary Pictures’. The inside shots show the art work displayed in the theatre by Alison Turnball; Michael Craig-Martin; Estelle Thompson; Lily Van der Stokker and Edward Allington. There is a brief shot of a ribbon cutting ceremony by an unnamed person whilst the narrator discusses the disabled access to the theatre and art work of Margaret Powell. Two disabled customers make favourable comments. The next scenes show the activities and restaurants in the square and the box office and inside of the theatre.
00:05:52 the film shows backstage scenes including the delivery and construction of the stage and the Fly tower; Wardrobe; rehearsal space for dancers and the lighting.
00:10:08 Michael Lynas, the Chief Executive talks about his brief to a local businessman followed by Simon Callow (actor) giving his thoughts on the new theatre.
00:12:51 the film cuts to a long shot of the theatre from across the street with the date April 1997 followed by views of the various stages of construction from start to finish accompanied by “Fanfare for a new Theatre”.
00:14:32 the Chief Executive discusses the moving ceiling which can be easily adjusted for the different acoustics of different shows. This is followed by rehearsals and performances including the Milton Keynes City Orchestra and the principal conductor Hilary Davan Wetton; a choral group practising “African Sanctus”; young dancers from the area; Richard Stilgoe and the David Campbell Quartet; and a Brass Band. The Chief Executive then discusses how the seating can be adjusted and the space available for bands and orchestras.
00:18:00 there are the shots backstage of final preparations before a performance and of the customers arriving.
00:20:17 the film cuts to the Gala Night held on 4 October 1999. There is Caribbean music, a firework display and shots of the guests and party. The architect Andrzej Blonski (Blonski Heard) and the Managing Director Howard Panter (Ambassador Theatre Group) both say how pleased they are with the theatre. The film ends with a firework display saying: “MILTON KEYNES EXPLODING THE MYTH” before the credits.
A transcript of this film is available on request
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