Prospect Playhouse theatre expansion underway
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from April 2002.
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The groundbreaking last Friday evening took place at a spot approximating what will be the new front entrance. Cayman Drama Society members, who own and operate the facility, had already helped remove the old screened-in area where patrons typically gathered during intermission to smoke or reduce the crowding in the lobby area. Mr. Delano Bush was on hand to represent the builders, Stonewall Cayman. He said he expected to start site preparation almost immediately and was looking at 1 July as completion date for the project. He was reminded that the drama society is opening a new play - Dancing at Lughnasa - on 17 April. How can construction be on-going when audiences are being invited to view a play?
"Whatever work we do during the days of the production, we'll leave the site tidy and safe," Mr. Bush pledged. If a certain phase of work cannot be completed, "we'll block the area off."
Patrons may well regard the extension project as an additional reason to visit the theatre and view the progress. The extension will not only substantially increase the lobby and bar area; it will also provide space for a dedicated sound booth and additional washrooms. Upstairs space will be devoted to rehearsals. Plans were first announced at a reception hosted by the Governor, Mr. Peter Smith, and his wife Suzanne (Caymanian Compass, 1 March).
Long-time theatre manager Peter Phillips spoke briefly at the groundbreaking. He pointed out that this would be the last extension to the theatre at the front. He revealed his dream of an extension at the rear - to increase the height of the stage area so that sets can be "flown" into place instead of carried on. "But unless a fairy godmother or godfather appears, that is a long way off," he conceded.
After Mrs. Smith turned over a shovelful or two of sod to give the project a symbolic start, she wished the Cayman Drama Society well. Adverting indirectly to the Governor's incipient retirement, she said she had been truly honoured to serve as patron. "You should be proud of yourselves,” she told members, a reference to their many accomplishments. Perhaps, when she and Mr. Smith return in a few years, members will have their other extension, she hoped for them.
