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Dateline: 3rd August, 2003 News from the Midlands Pressure eases; second theatre closure may be avoidedFinancial problems at Derby Playhouse have eased, dispelling fears that the theatre might have to close. Last year the management revealed the Playhouse was facing a £400,000 trading deficit - the biggest in its 27-year history. But an independent report by consultant Graham Devlin, formerly secretary general of the Arts Council of England, predicts the theatre's financial results for this year will be "significantly better than anticipated". The report compared Derby Playhouse with similar-sized theatres including Salisbury Playhouse, Oldham Coliseum and Newcastle Playhouse. It found that the Derby venue had the highest box-office income. Since chief executive Karen Hebden and creative producer Stephen Edwards took over last July, attendance figures have improved. Numbers for the spring/summer season were up 9,000 on last year and advance ticket sales for this autumn are 11% ahead of comparable sales for last year's autumn show Way Upstream. However, the report highlighted differences in funding between Derby and neighbouring cities. The Arts Council subsidy for Nottingham Playhouse was 114% more than that for Derby while the subsidy for Leicester's Haymarket was 146% more. The Haymarket closed last month after running up debts of £450,000. Staff there are anxiously waiting to hear whether the theatre's board will accept a financial rescue package from the Arts Council. Otherwise it could become bankrupt. Meanwhile, Derby may have a new theatre within two years if a suitable site can be found. Derby New Theatre Association, made up of amateur drama groups in the city, has already looked at a couple of venues and is also considering building a new theatre. Earlier this year Derby Playhouse decided to restrict amateur theatre productions to a four-week slot in July and August rather than allowing them their customary dates throughout the year. Young kids have stars in their eyesNottingham's Royal Concert Hall is hosting a kids audition for Stars In Their Eyes Live, a stage version of the popular television show. It will be on Wednesday, 27th August from 9am. Up to five children will be selected to appear in a live show at the Concert Hall in October and all finalists will be guaranteed an audition for the next Kids Stars In Their Eyes series on Granada Television. Further information and a list of tour dates are available at www.starsintheireyeslive.co.uk Please note that all three Archive indices are very long and will therefore take some time to download.
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