TV star hoping to stage West End show in Derby (with audio)
TELEVISION star Robert Lindsay is hoping to stage a West End show in Derby.
The My Family star made the announcement after he opened a £25,000 operating theatre at Ilkeston Community Hospital yesterday.
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all smiles: Robert Lindsay has his blood pressure taken by Sonya Kemp, diagnostic treatment centre manager (left), meets Mabel Brittain from the League of Friends (centre) and Richard Dawes from Long Eaton.
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it's official: Actor Robert Lindsay unveils a plaque to open Ilkeston Community Hospital's £25,000 minor operations theatre.
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HIS family: Robert Lindsay with dad Norman Stevenson.
He is set to take the show Aristo to London next year and hopes it will be previewed in the city.
It tells the story of the final years of shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and his relationships with presidential widow Jackie Kennedy, opera singer Maria Callas and his son, Alexandros.
The former Ilkeston resident, who appeared in the play in Chichester last year, said bringing it to Derby would be a chance to support the local community.
He said: "I feel very attached to my community. The deal is that I go to London but I'm trying to get a pre-London tour to start in Derby.
"We'll know for sure in a month's time."
Mr Lindsay spoke after officially opening the hospital theatre, which will offer minor operations to people in the town and surrounding area.
He said: "Ilkeston is a town that has a great sense of community and that is something I've carried with me. It's something I miss and something I come back to."
He was accompanied at the opening by his father, 85-year-old Norman Stevenson, who has been given cataract operations on both of his eyes at the hospital.
Mr Stevenson said: "I've always been highly pleased with Ilkeston Hospital.
"Anything they do here to improve I'm thrilled with."
The theatre is equipped for procedures such as minor surgery on hands, eyes and skin growths.
It has been paid for by Ilkeston Rotary Club, while a further £12,000 was raised by the hospital's League of Friends charity to pay for equipment.
Tracy Allen, managing director of Derbyshire Community Health Services, which runs community hospitals and clinics and provides district nurses, thanked the fund-raisers.
She said: "The hospital has developed and evolved for more than 25 years.
"One of the main reasons it's been so successful is the incredible support from the local community."
Alan Chambers, the past president of the Rotary club, launched the fund-raising campaign in August last year with a special skydive at Nottingham Airfield.
He said: "We all know somebody that has been in hospital and it's a good cause so we decided to go for it."
Mr Lindsay said his task of unveiling the official plaque mounted outside the theatre paled in comparison to those of the fund-raisers.
He said: "I'm really aware of the League of Friends and Rotary Club that have helped this endeavour.
"Mr Chambers did a skydive, which makes my attempts to open a curtain seem rather meagre."
Click here to listen to Robert Lindsay speaking at the unveiling
3 Comments
by Val W, Derby
Thursday, August 27 2009, 2:01PM
“On looking at the plays etc. coming to Derby Theatre I, as a regular attendee of the Derby Playhouse am very impressed that we have two travelling Bill Kenright shows coming, with well known actors.Am also pleased the Xmas show is back on. I feel the previous board were perhaps too 'luvvy' and insular. Bums on seats will prove success or failure. I think it will be success. Hope Robert Lindsay brings his show to Derby. He has now found a way of helping our theatre.”
by Mathew, Ilkeston
Thursday, August 27 2009, 11:24AM
“First of all Joyce, spell his name right!
Secondly, I've met Robert a few times around town, he always has time for everybody. He was at Ilkeston Town FC in May at the play off final with his dad. He was quite happy to talk to everybody who approached him (alot) even though he was with his elderly father.
He is an actor and he has a young family of his own as well as an elderly father, he cannot do everything that is asked of him.”
by Joyce, eastwood
Thursday, August 27 2009, 10:11AM
“Just remembering Mr. Lyndsay was asked to be the patron of the now defunct Derby Playhouse.....
Im not sure, but during the troubles over the last 2 years I dont remember seeing his name at that time.....
Does a Patron need to do their "Bit " to help in times of need ? mmmm.....
maybe he will bring his "show" to the new Derby Theatre ? as he loves his "Community " and thinks his play would give the people of \Derby a chance to support the local community "
The Venue (If the play does come) isnt known...My moneys on The Derby Theatre.....
Pity you couodnt have supported the Playhouse in its struggle to keep proffesional theatre alive Mr. Lindsay”