Its theatre space may still be temporarily closed due to coronavirus, but the stage of The Point Eastleigh is currently inhabited by one of the biggest personalities in British television.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood is in the building rehearsing for his debut solo tour All Balls And Glitter which will start in February next year. A preview show was due to take place at The Point but was cancelled due to COVID-19 and unfortunately has been unable to be rearranged due to existing scheduling commitments.
But he’s glad to be in the venue in any shape or form!
Craig said: “I am so happy to be here! It’s great to be back at work, I’ve got to say, after months of lockdown, and what better place than The Point Eastleigh darling. It’s a gorgeous little theatre and it’s wonderful to be back in a rehearsal space with a director, a pianist and live music.
“I am absolutely delighted and I have to thank The Point for allowing me to be here. It’s so cool just to have a Proscenium arch and some seating, albeit empty darling. It still brings back wonderful memories of days gone by it seems. It gives me something marvellous to look forward to.”
The Point has recently been able to reopen its café bar. How important is it that theatres are able to welcome people back through their doors?
Craig adds: “It’s wonderful for any theatres to be used. And it’s good to support the arts in any way shape or form that you can and to be using wonderful rehearsal spaces like this at The Point and immaculate theatres like this is, it’s just really brilliant.
“We need to give the audiences hope that theatre will return to normal. And life will return to normal. I think it has been really very difficult for everybody concerned, not even just in the theatre but worldwide this is a massive problem for everybody. It’s great to be back celebrating the theatre and I am loving it. Just the smell of the greasepaint, darling, is around the corner and I cannot wait to get it on.”
Artistic Director of The Point Sacha Lee said: “We are excited and delighted to have Craig and his team rehearsing in our space developing his new show. It’s great to get our building open again and even better that Craig is our first resident artist!”
Hampshire audiences will still be able to see Craig in action as his 22-date tour will call into the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth on 5 March 2021.
Craig concludes: “The tour is full of song, dance, and stories. And there are a lot of big surprises to look forward to. It’s certainly more than a talk!”
