The Space is celebrating its 15th anniversary! From its humble origins in a derelict church the Space was transformed into a vibrant arts centre back in 1996. It is both an important creative hub, producing outstanding professional productions, and an asset for the local community. Over the years the Space has required a high level of commitment and dedication from its staff, volunteers and trustees. The incredible lengths that they have gone to in order to make the Space a success are recognised here in our feature ’15 people who shaped the Space’. Of course there are many others who have contributed, we would also like to thank all of our volunteers, artists, performers, supporters and audience members for making the Space such a great place to be.
1-3 in a series of 15 people who shaped the Space
Polly Schomberg
Polly Schomberg (pictured above) worked at the Space between1999 and 2001.
‘My first job out of university was working at a TV production company, which I hated. I decided that theatre luvvies were much nicer people (and I was right). Despite my total lack of any experience whatsoever I managed to bag the job of Fundraising Assistant at The Space. I remember walking to the interview and being blown away by my first sighting of this amazing old building in the middle of all the new shiny Docklands developments. After my first year I had managed to raise next to no money, so Rob let me become the Centre Assistant instead, which I was much better at. I did that for a year, before Rob left and I segued into the Centre Manager role instead.’
Polly continued the themes of music and theatrical performance but also made comedy nights her specialty. Comedy nights had been part of the Space’s repertoire and Polly drew in a range of talent from those starting out to some well-known acts such as Al Murray and Harry Hill.
Polly, like all her predecessors, was very committed and professional – but also had a special light touch and an ability to draw in a younger audience. One of the many highlights in Polly’s time was her organisation of the fifth anniversary night, which involved a significant degree of improvisation and yet proved to be highly enjoyable.
‘After three wonderful years my wanderlust got the better of me and I headed out to seek my fortune in Australia.’
Polly is now a Visitor Experience Consultant for the National Trust. ‘Heritage luvvies are a lot like theatre luvvies so I still feel at home.’
Jeanette Hoskins
‘Originally hired by Robert Richardson for 2 weeks to undertake PR for the very first show – Sir Ian McKellen’s A Knight Out in the East End – I ended up staying at the Space for a year (1996/97)’, Jeanette recalls.
‘I think I learnt pretty much everything at the Space – from fundraising to lighting board operation. To say it was ‘hands on job’ is an understatement. If you didn’t already know something, you improvised!
Robert had already taken his journey to transform the Space as a building. The energy it took to keep the Space alive as a working arts venue in its first year of operation was no less immense. There were few shops at Canary Wharf and Island Gardens was well and truly at the end of the line, but we managed to present a vibrant programme of music, comedy, theatre and dance. It is a testament to what a small number of people with sheer determination can do that the Space now celebrates its 15th anniversary.’
Following her year at The Space, Jeanette, who had originally trained trained as a ballet dancer at Elmhurst, worked as Assistant to the Producer at the Young Vic for 2 years, leaving there to work with Matthew Bourne’s Adventures in Motion Pictures. She general managed his iconic Swan Lake to Germany and Japan in 2003. Jeanette was awarded a Senior Dance Management Fellowship by the Arts Council in 2005 after a period of working as a freelance dance manager. She is currently Project Manager for Dance Umbrella, producing site specific and large scale presentations with world class choreographers.
Kate Osborne
A local resident, American-born Kate Osborne joined the Space’s team of volunteers in 2008 and has been providing fund-raising support ever since. Kate was instrumental in putting together the funding applications for SpaceWorks, a landmark community theatre project for the Space. Kate’s work on successful applications to the Isle of Dogs Community Foundation, Awards For All, Clore Duffield Performing Arts Awards and the Wakefield and Tetley Trust, amongst others has enabled us to provide workshops for three age groups, technical theatre training and over 20 performances in the last two and a half years.
The project has now reached close to 300 direct participants with many more benefitting from the performances and workshops made possible by Kate’s dedication.
Her invaluable support has eased the fundraising pressure on Centre Director, Adam Hemming, enabling him to continue to push the Space forwards. Whether providing sound fundraising advice or discussing her fantasy football team Kate’s wonderfully cheerful personality, brightens the portacabin or office whenever she is around.