Below is a quick look at some of the people responsible for this daring project. The man by whom the repertory was conceived, renowned Swansea theatre director, Terry Palmer, has chosen to make a statement of why he considers the theatre to be of such importance.
Edward Fox
An actor of stage and screen, equipped with a flawless reputation, has undertaken a number of leading roles in massively acclaimed films such as 'The Day of the Jackal' (1973) and 'A Bridge too Far' (1977). Edward has passionately backed the project to restore the theatre to its former glory, emphasizing the vast historical significance of The Pavilion and the role it should play in Swansea's artistic and cultural heartbeat for generations to come. 'To call it a jewel is not an over estimation.' he said of the theatre recently, in an interview with the South Wales Evening Post. His interest was captivated by long-time friend and renowned Swansea dramatist Terry Palmer, with whom he has worked on numerous occasions. Edward has thrown his considerable reputation within the dramatic arts behind this project and is among the project's principle benefactors.
Keith Poulton
Keith is a local business advisor and financial strategist of national repute. He is equally skilled and experienced in both the planning for launch and the recovery of businesses large and small in Wales and England.
Keith has advised companies in a range of disciplines and helped many hundreds of businesses start trading in South & West Wales. Keith mentors many local people in business, and he has helped to rescue many businesses in difficulties. He has also enjoyed the stewardship of a range of small business funds for several of South Wales' county councils and he has lectured in a variety of seminars.
Keith has pledged his considerable fiscal experience into the composition of a bold yet workable financial strategy as well as demonstrating his personal confidence in the project by being amongst the projects investors. He is particularly enthused about the inclusiveness of the proposal, '...there will be no exclusion. Clientele will certainly include the numerous students of drama in the City, families and lovers of the theatre'.
Some words from Terry Palmer
'I was born and raised in Swansea. In my first identifiable memory I am perched on the shoulders of my elder cousin Walter. He is in his sailor's uniform. We are on Townhill overlooking the town. It is night. The town is burning, there are fires all around the docks and main shopping areas, barrage balloons float in the sky, and searchlights dart about. I was just over two years old.
'The first theatre I witnessed was at the Empire - a pantomime. The first play was at the Grand, and I had developed a regular theatre-going habit by the time I was 11 in 1949. In 1950 I saw Richard Burton play Konstantin in Chekhov's "The Seagull". In 1951 I saw most of the plays presented by Maudie Edwards at the Grand, and when she moved to the Palace I was a regular galleryite.
'In 1957 I won a place at a London drama school for the following September and spent the summer working in the Grand as a student A.S.M. for John Chilvers, the new director. I worked backstage during my vacations and in 1959 played my first professional acting engagement at the Grand. I then moved to London to live.
'In 1960 I worked for nine months at the Royal Court theatre and went straight on to co-star with Stanley Baker in a T.V. play - it was the first time Wales had filled the then prestigious live hour and a half Sunday night play slot.
'For some years I acted in theatre, television and film however I wanted to direct and in 1963 I did my first directing job - "Hamlet" with Edward Fox playing the lead. I have since directed about 150 productions (some 30 of Shakespeare), been associate director at the Northcott, Exeter and Nottingham theatres, helped form and launch the Orchard Theatre Company in Devon, launched the Key Theatre in Peterborough, directed in London Drama Schools, ran drama courses, adjudicated festivals and travelled about the world.
'In 2003 I decided to return to Swansea and do something for the City, so when the Palace became a possibility I thought, "The Palace - a charity, a troupe of players with an experienced core backed up by young players whom I can train up and develop, an annual Shakespeare Festival in the summer, world drama such as Maudie Edwards presented in the '50s". None of these ideas conflict with the Grand - they compliment it. And for myself - if in five years time the theatre can function in all areas without me, I shall be well satisfied having helped to create a vital living theatre for the City.
'Well, first things first - communicate with the business community, securing the building is the first step, then doing up well enough to open in 2008.
'Now I'm communicating. I know you will listen and be generous.'
- Terry Palmer
