Welcome to Taylorian

Since its formation in 2007, Taylorian audiences have witnessed many wonderful moments. As co-founders of the production company with artistic director John Cumberlidge and the late and much-missed Patrick Taylor, our sole aim was to bring memorable entertainment to the Manx public and to provide an experience worth more than the value of the ticket.

Whether enchanting audiences by transforming the Gaiety into the mythical and colourful Emerald City (Wizard of Oz) or re-creating the enduring spectacle of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Siam (The King & I), Taylorian Productions are always striving to bring and work in line with the industry to the most professional level and put the sense of occasion back into going to the theatre, tens of thousands have come with us on these journeys and have laughed; cried; booed and cheered along the way.

Original director John Cumberlidge, and now Chris Cuming, have used their experience, talent and time to bring together accomplished performers and emerging talent, alongside the best of creative, artistic talent, both on and off island, to create these stunning theatrical spectacles.

When John decided to step down after eleven incredibly sucessful shows we were lucky to obtain the services of highly acclaimed West End director and choreographer Chris Cuming, who’s flair and professionalism has been an inspiration to the whole Company.

Chris has brought many new attributes to the Company including seasonal shows and our successful theatre workshops, where we strive to engage, educate and entertain the next generation of artists and theatre lovers

The many passionate performers; technical; stage and wardrobe staff on a Taylorian production have been given a unique opportunity to work with and learn from top professionals that we endeavour to bring to the Isle of Man.

Welcome to Taylorian. I’ve been Artistic Director for five years and whilst based in the UK am extremely passionate about the Isle of Man and the development of the arts relationship between the Isle of Man and the UK.

Ultimately Taylorian are about excelling in our high quality productions and ensuring high standards across the board, from the performance, production and our development. We’re passionate about pushing our home theatre, The Gaiety, based in Douglas on the Isle of Man and ensuring that the Isle of Man residents and tourists get to experience productions worthy of the West End. We’re passionate about deleting the on Island talent and working with those training and working within the industry on and off the Island.

We’re dedicated to the future of the island and industry and therefore working to develop our work on the Island our workshop programme as well as develop our Summer Season here as well as projects in the UK with talent from the Island.

Please enjoy our website and if you have any questions please check our Facebook, Twitter or do email us.

It was my pleasure to be asked to be Patron of Taylorian Productions last year, a company in which I love to watch grow and develop. .

I was lucky to grow up in the Isle of Man where there is such an incredible theatre community, with so many people who are passionate about theatre! I was lucky to get to perform in musicals, ballets and pantomimes on the island but It was after I appeared in Jekell and Hyde, that I met the incredible Mr Patrick Taylor, the co-founder of Taylorian Productions.

Currently I’m in New York getting ready to open the new musical Pretty Women on broadway. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support of Mr T and the passion and drive for the Arts on the Island. I hope that Taylorian will continue to produce and deliver workshops and future new and existing talent on the Island.

Please do follow and support this company, a company I believe so much in.

When Patrick Taylor passed away in May 2008 at the age of 74, Taylorian Productions lost much more than its co-founder.

For ‘Mr T’ as he was affectionately known was a man of integrity and kindness with a tremendous appetite for work and family and a mischievous wit which endeared him to everyone he met.

When he looked ahead to the company’s inaugural show, Underneath the Arches, there were tears in eyes as he spoke passionately of a ‘fulfilment’, a ‘new zest’ and an ‘untroubled joy’ which his involvement in theatre had brought.

And it was that joy and kindness which touched so many people through the years.

His support of young people and the arts was renowned and his pride in witnessing the success of Laxey singing star Samantha Barks, our Patron.

He was never the grand old man but always a gentle giant, his friendship was loyal, his individuality valued, his commitment to our shows unwavering. In all, Patrick Denton Taylor was a much loved and unique character who derived so much pleasure from his involvement in theatre, he couldn’t help but relay that to those with whom he came into contact.

A true gentleman, whose name will always remain alive with the company which bears his name.

However, as an English solicitor, nothing in recent years gave him greater pleasure than swapping the pinstripe suit and drama of the courtroom for that of the Gaiety stage. He always vowed one of the requirements of a successful lawyer was to be an actor so decided to put that into practice by taking on-stage roles as well.

Once he focused his mind he would be inspired and would read entire scripts – so much so that in urging young people to become involved in the challenge of vibrant musical theatre, he would know colleagues’ parts too and wouldn’t hesitate in telling them, encouragingly, if they missed a line.

He was never the grand old man but always a gentle giant, his friendship was loyal, his individuality valued, his commitment to our shows unwavering. In all, Patrick Denton Taylor was a much loved and unique character who derived so much pleasure from his involvement in theatre, he couldn’t help but relay that to those with whom he came into contact.

A true gentleman, whose name will always remain alive with the company which bears his name.