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The Gale Theatre of London & Barbados creates a two way cultural exchange enabling theatre lovers, residents and visitors from around the world to share in the riches of the Caribbean.
At present it brings in UK expertise where necessary while embracing Barbadian talent. Gale intends to build on the exchange, by taking productions and actors from Barbados to London.
It is a non profit charitable organisation founded in 2007 by Melissa Simmonds. Actor Paul McGann is also a company director of Gale Theatre both in London and in Barbados. The company/charity is registered in both countries. All work is developed, rehearsed and produced in Barbados.
Company policies are:
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to unite talent from both countries and to create a two way cultural exchange
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to train young Barbadian actors and to create employment in all related areas of theatre
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to provide an educational tool by presenting a play from the school syllabus when possible
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to take classical and modern plays and to set them in the Caribbean where possible
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to encourage indigenous writing through playwriting workshops
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to provide quality entertainment for those living in Barbados and for those visiting the island
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aims to tour productions to the UK and to other Caribbean islands
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The Gale Theatre of London and Barbados are sponsored by |
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"Coming home to work with Gale Theatre on their production of Macbeth was a hugely enjoyable experience. The production values were of the highest standard and every effort was made to create and maintain a world-class, professional environment. In addition, Gale's commitment to the ongoing training and development of Barbadian theatre artists is highly commendable and represents an exciting example of positive, productive international cultural cooperation."
Alison Sealy-Smith. (International/Barbadian Actress) |
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"Working with The Gale Theatre on Macbeth was an experience one cherishes for a lifetime. Under the seasoned, professional, expertise of the director Glen Walford we explored a unique story telling of Shakespeare’s play. For me the buzz of actually being in the Caribbean for 6 whole glorious weeks while practising my craft, that I am most passionate about, was a great experience. I find Gale's ethos of bridging cultures and celebrating the differences a fantastic one. Working with such fantastic Barbadian actors such as Patrick foster and Alison Sealy Smith was hugely enjoyable and informative too. Gale continued to train the young Bajan actors in the workshops related to the play, and to see their passion was inspiring, it was a truly symbiotic relationship where we soaked up the culture of Barbados too. Melissa Simmonds, Artistic director/producer must be congratulated for her foresight, over all vision, and absolute dedication to the projects she undertakes."
Kwaku Ankomah. |
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'Bedecked in unitards covered in animal print, the witches move throughout the play in fluid and appropriately bizarre ways. Walford's witches are young and otherworldly creatures, suggesting animal spirits of some Aboriginal nation more so than old hags.' |
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'Alison Sealy-Smith plays her Lady Macbeth as a ruthless harridan rebuking her husband to commit murder rather than coaxing him, she smiles at him sexually one minute then rebukes him when he fails to do as he is told.' |
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'I have not seen anything like it for such a long time I don’t know where to begin. I have always thought Noël Coward was both a little too repetitive and rare in his comedy but I was most pleased by the Caribbeanised adaptation of his play Blithe Spirit which was staged by the Gale Theatre of London and Barbados at the Frank Collymore Hall over the past two weeks.' |
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'It marked a return to theatre of a standard that I have not seen for a decade in Barbados. I sincerely hope that Gale grows from strength to strength and that the public attends everything they do. If this is the level of quality entertainment they are capable of, I certainly want more.' |
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