Ahead of their 25 year anniversary, The Market Place Theatre’s Venue and Programmes Director sat down with Armagh I to reflect on their incredible achievements in that time.
Vincent McCann has been a part of the theatre’s fabric since its official opening in March 2000; which was presided over by then Prince Charles.
The Armagh native counts himself extremely lucky to still be working alongside two other colleagues, Lynn and Sharon, whose careers with the theatre also began when its doors opened a quarter of a century ago.
In that time, Vincent’s role has developed and he says it has been “a real honour” to manage this exceptional venue in his hometown.
He talks of a city with a longstanding and rich arts culture and how this led the then Armagh City and District Council to pursue and secure National Lottery funding to build a dedicated facility for the provision of the arts, right in our city centre.
The designing of this new building was put to a European-wide competition, which Vincent explains was then won by Glenn Howells – Birmingham-based architecture firm – who accepted a considerable challenge in designing a building on the steeply sloping site of Market Square.
Something Vincent continues to be extremely proud of is the theatre’s unwavering support of young, local talent and this support has been evident from day one.
He explains that Market Place Theatre’s two very first shows featured local school children and mime artist, Rowan Tolley.
Vincent insists that the theatre is to be “used by, performed on and include people from the community”.
In his view, it’s a space that has become central to family traditions, a house where memories are made and a conduit for the expression and feeling of every emotion.
He and the Market Place Theatre team are now preparing to host their much anticipated 25 year anniversary event; Curtain Up on 25 on March 1.
The event promises to be a “remarkable showcase” with a diverse line-up of local and national talent – many of whom have played an instrumental part of the venue’s success.
Finally, Vincent says none of it would have been possible without the help of a “magnificent team” from general administration, to tech support and front of house to box office and marketing.
He also extends his thanks to the broader council team.
Watch Vincent’s full video interview below:
