Mark Ball, our Parish Priest, is Chaplain to the Marlowe Theatre.

He went to meet the stars of the Russian ice stars of Snow White in the new Marlowe Arena.

New Marlowe chaplain’s n’ice work

THE MARLOWE Theatre’s new chaplain Revd Mark Ball has literally thrown himself into his role. The Rev Mark Ball took to the ice at the arena in his first official job and met skaters from the Russian Ice Stars, who are performing there in Snow White on Ice. (Until Sunday, January 25).
Mr Ball’s appointment is just one of the many things going on behind the scenes in preparation for the theatre’s reopening in autumn, 2011. The 37-year-old, who is Priest in Charge of the city centre parishes (which includes St Peter’s and St Mildred’s churches), said: “My predecessor as parish priest was chaplain at the Marlowe before me, but it’s an exciting new venture for me.”
Since 1899 the Actors’ Church Union has been promoting the Church of England’s engagement with theatre life. There is now a network of chaplains across the nation’s theatres, dance and drama schools and film and TV studios.
Mr Ball said: “The main thrust of the chaplain’s role is to be a representative presence within the whole community that makes up the theatre: the management and technical and support staff, as well as visiting performers, companies and production teams. I’m here to show the Church cares about the life of the theatre, and cares for the wellbeing of those who give themselves in the sharing of their talents, gifts and skills.”
Mr Ball said he was looking forward to the reopening of the theatre and the chance to enjoy “the wonderfully varied programme of productions it offers – and to the increased opportunities the new building will bring.”
He added: “I am just praying that the Wombles never come to town! At primary school we went on a trip to see them at the local theatre. I was a massive fan of the TV series but the ‘real-life’ Wombles were much bigger than I’d expected and I was terrified. Great Uncle Bulgaria came into the audience to invite some of us onto the stage – and I ran away crying!”.
Theatre Director Mark Everett said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark. All theatres have this kind of support through the Actors’ Church Union, a long-standing and highly supportive organisation. One the new theatre opens and we once again become neighbours with St Peter’s Church, I am sure we will often see Mark.”