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Dateline: 15th February, 2008
Derby Council Outlines Theatre Plans Derby City Council today unveiled its plans to resurrect producing theatre in Derby with a scheme which is being touted as a world first. The authority has formulated Derby LIVE which will stage producing theatre, dance, music, poetry and mime by everyone from amateurs to international stars in a range of spaces. Performances will be staged in the Great Hall and the Darwin Suite of the Assembly Rooms, the Guildhall Theatre and open spaces including the Market Place, Cathedral Green and the River Gardens. Each show will be given the most appropriate venue depending on its technical requirements, likely audience and intended impact. If administrators are unable to maintain Derby Playhouse Ltd as a going concern, Derby LIVE will also use the Playhouse main stage and studio. That would give the council a range of spaces with between 70 and 2,000 seats to put on "one of the broadest arts programmes anywhere in the UK". Councillor Alan Graves, cabinet member for leisure and direct services, told a press conference, "Our plans reconnect Derby with its theatre. "Theatre produced in Derby will be as strong under the new arrangements as it was before and will have greater freedom in the use of venues. "Theatre produced with local, regional and national partners will be delivered consistently and successfully as an integral part of the Derby LIVE programme." The council revealed it had made an offer to the administrators for the fixtures and fittings at the Playhouse, situated in the Westfield shopping complex, and the theatre would not be sold off to become a department store. Councillor Graves pointed out that the Playhouse would not be allowed to run at a loss - it would have to be financially viable and would not be subsidised by the other venues. In charge of the artistic programme will be Peter Ireson, head of the Assembly Rooms and Guildhall Theatre, and Pete Meakin, head of arts and events at the city council and former associate director (education) at Derby Playhouse. The authority will spend £395,275 on the programme in 2008/2009 and the Arts Council has contributed £742,810 after refusing to fund Derby Playhouse Ltd. The Arts Council has committed a further £762,865 and £783,460 in the following two years. Laura Dyer, executive director of Arts Council England East Midlands said, "We're delighted that Derby city council has made live producing theatre so central to its plans for the performing arts in Derby. "The proposed model really will promote excellence and variety and it's great to see something happening so soon. It will make sure the city's venues are accessible to youth theatre and amateur performances as well as productions by professional companies and performers. "We look forward to working with the council to make sure that theatre made in Derby for the people of Derby continues." A creditors' meeting of Derby Playhouse Ltd will be held on Monday, 25th February. Reporter: Steve Orme
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