The Space in Docklands

Ali Forges at The Space

There really isn’t a venue quite like The Space anywhere in the whole of Docklands. Founded five years ago by Robert Richardson, The Space was raised from the ashes of a derelict church and runs entirely on the fruits of fundraising. And what we see today is a rather elegant community theatre space, dedicated to putting on a wide variety of arts and entertainment.

We spoke to Ali Forbes, who took over as Manager of The Space in the summer. She has a very clear idea of what she is trying to achieve over the next two years through the type of programme she is putting together. "It depends on who’s in charge what goes on here," says Ali. "My predecessor’s strategy was to get in the big names, to pull the crowds in - which was great but resulted in a real alienation amongst the immediate residents. You know, a Talvin Singh means nothing to them so you’d get people coming from all over London but that would happen only once every couple of months."

What comes across speaking to Ali is that she has a real sense of making The Space very much a local venue - and that what it represents, for both performers and audience, feels as inclusive as possible. Whether you’re a newcomer to the area or your family have been "Islanders" for generations, or whether you’re part of the Bengali or Korean communities, The Space hopes to bring something of interest to you.

Ali believes that although her new approach may be more difficult in the long run, it should prove far more rewarding. "I’m trying to start from the bottom, from the roots upwards. It makes more sense but it’s really difficult because when people don’t see the audiences coming in, they think it’s not working." However, it clearly makes sense that such long-termism will help to create "the buzz, the energy" Ali is hoping to build.

With its minimal sets and £20,000 worth of Steinway piano, The Space draws a wide range of events. As far as acts are concerned, The Space believes in the concept of "lounge theatre" - you watch while sitting round candlelit tables where you can eat and drink while watching, making this a warm and sociable theatre experience.

The kind of things you can expect to see at The Space are: fringe theatre every Thursday with new writing and modern shorts; comedy, with big names such as Harry Hill and Jenny Éclair; a jazz jam every Monday night; Sunday lunchtime classical concerts; theatre for the elderly; community youth performances; photographic exhibitions and lots more. Ali is also very keen on building a repertoire of Asian arts performances, including Asian dance, music and theatre.

There is real potential to The Space becoming a cult London venue. Even now, it’s at the very least trying to provide a cutting edge alternative to the West End mainstream. As Ali says, her aim is to ".put The Space on the map as a fringe theatre venue within 2 years." You wouldn’t bet against it.

If you’re interested in putting an event on, or helping out as a volunteer, contact:
Ali @ The Space

The Space Arts Centre
269 West Ferry Road
London E14 3RS
tel: 020 7515 2453

Ali Forges at The Space

Who is behind organising and promoting events at Space?
me, Ali Forbes, the Director

Why and who set Space up?
Robert Richardson, to provide an arts centre for the isle of dogs

What did they do before?
worked in the wigmore hall

Have you had any stars perform or attend Space?
Sir Ian McKellen (our patron), Linda Marlowe, Harry Hill, Jenny Eclair, Edward Fox, Marie McLaughlin (our other patron) Trilok Gurtu, Al Murray, Steven Berkoff, Josie Lawrence, Nicole Fahri

What is the artistic policy?
To provide an innovative and informal performance space for up and coming bands, theatre companies and performance artisits as well asa n intimate performance space for local "names".

What was the best exhibition or performance at Space?
An evening with Sir Ian McKellen

If you could have anyone to perform or at space who would it be?
Any East End actor/ actresss who has found global success and who would like to participate in a Local Heroes season of An Evening With.... to be held at The Space between now and June 04