Leicester Haymarket in asbestos scare
The Haymarket, Leicester, has had to close temporarily after brown asbestos, a potentially lethal substance, was found in the theatre. The problem only came to light when a structural survey (part of the theatre's Lottery bid) was carried out.
A gala performance in support of preserving the individual identities of the Royal Opera and English National Opera will feature Jonathan Miller, Lesley Garrett, Wayne Sleep and Deborah Bull, in addition to Victoria Wood. The gala will take place at the Conway Hall on 24th March.
Welsh company Brith Gof, at the forefront of theatrical innovation in Wales, is to lose its funding from the Welsh Arts Council. Instead of £100,000 the company will receive £30,000 for individual projects by memebrs of the company. ACW calls this part of a "negotiated wind-down period". Janek Alexander, chairman of the company, claims that there has not been a formal appraisal of the company and its work during the last year, nor has there been any consultation or discussion.
A rescue package which will cover debts of around £300,000 has saved the Norwich Playhouse from closure.