2009 News

Curtain rises on renovated theatre as Western bids farewell to Paul Davenport

Story Karmen Dowling
Video by Scott May
June 16, 2009

The stage is set for a new era of music and theatre at Western. The Don Wright Faculty of Music’s newly renovated Talbot Theatre opened its doors Tuesday, showcasing more seating, dynamic acoustics, better lighting, improved sound, and a new name: Paul Davenport Theatre.

Named in honour of Paul Davenport’s 15 years of leadership as Western’s President and champion of the arts, the official re-opening and dedication of the 43-year-old theatre coincided with a farewell event for Davenport. Donors and supporters of the theatre’s $5-million restoration were on hand to celebrate the opening and Davenport’s retirement. The University has contributed $2.5 million to the project, and another $2.5 million will come from private support. To date, 110 donors have contributed more than $2 million and fundraising efforts will continue until the $2.5-million goal is reached. Fundraising plans also include the creation of an endowed Student Performance Fund valued at $250,000, with the commitment to raise these funds once the theatre renovation is fully funded. 

Western grad and Broadway star Louise Pitre and President Paul Davenport sit in the new seats at the former Talbot Theatre. The renovated space has officially opened and has been renamed the Paul Davenport Theatre, in honour of Davenport's 15 years of service as Western's President.

A jam-packed show christened the Paul Davenport Theatre stage. Louise Pitre, BMus’79, DMus’06, an actress who starred in Broadway’s Mamma Mia, became the face of the theatre’s fundraising campaign. She was one of the key performers to take the stage and says she was thrilled to play a role in raising funds for the theatre where she got her start, while also honouring Davenport.  

“This is where I did my first show ever – except it didn’t look like this,” says Pitre.

“It all began as a student on the stage of Western’s Talbot Theatre and it changed my life forever.

“Being involved in this project, has allowed me to reconnect with Western while helping a theatre that means so much to me. And I’m so proud to be here to honour Paul Davenport and thank him for what he has done for Western – he has taken the university to a new level.”

Other notable performances included a Western student percussion quartet, a piano performance by faculty member Stephan Sylvestre, Sonja Gustafson with a trio, and faculty members Theodore Baerg and Mark Payne.

Davenport said the theatre is spectacular and he is honoured to be identified with it.

“I’ve had so many wonderful experiences in this theatre,” says Davenport. “This space has a lot of memories for me and I’ve experienced them with my wife and children – I’ll never forget them.”

Davenport also noted how important Western alumni and volunteers have been in supporting the theatre renovation.

“This kind of transformation of the theatre is possible only because we had a number of donors who stepped up and said they wanted to help – and I’m very grateful.”

Dean of the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Bob Wood, says the new theatre will benefit everyone at Western as well as in the broader community.

“There are significant changes in the theatre that can be seen by members of the audience and there are very important renovations to the mechanical systems which can't be seen,” says Wood. “The gap between the acoustic capabilities of the theatre and the growing demands of our Music programs has widened at a considerably more rapid rate recently. I am hopeful that the newly renovated theatre with enhanced acoustics and refurbished lighting, sound, and seating will provide our students and faculty with a quality teaching and performing space in which to continue with the various types of performances.”

He adds, “The theatre has also served as an important gateway to Western for the community of London and southwestern Ontario by hosting community groups who have staged productions in the theatre. This connection will continue to grow as a result of the better facilities now available.”

Dean Wood notes The Don Wright Faculty of Music's first performances in the theatre will likely be in early September as part of the Friday Noon series.

For more information about how you can support the Paul Davenport Theatre, contact Carole Stinson, Campaign Director, at 519-661-2111 x 85696 or e-mail cstinson@uwo.ca