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Bedford Civic Theatre closure - the debate
Loss of venue will be 'devastating'
Plans to close Bedford Civic Theatre to save 1million a year would be "devastating", according to some members of the Bedford arts community.
But Dave Hodgson, the Mayor of Bedford, claims that his hand has been forced by a lack of interest in hiring the venue from promoters.
Hayley O'Keeffe spoke to those on both sides of the argument which is fast becoming a hot topic.
More than 700 people have signed up to protest against the 700,000 proposals on the social networking site Facebook.
The plans unveiled last week would change the venue into a one stop shop for council services.
Jon West, who is a member of Bedford Pantomime Company, was instrumental in setting up the 'Save Bedford Civic Theatre' group.
He said: "The Civic Theatre is a unique venue and is the only traditional theatre left in Bedford.
"All the others have been knocked down or converted. To lose this great facility which the town has would be devastating.
"The Bedford Pantomime Company started in the Civic five years ago, it grew in success and was able to achieve enough money to go to the Corn Exchange.
"We wouldn't be where we are today without showing to smaller audiences at the Civic."
Bedford Civic Theatre has also served as a venue for live music acts, and will showcase the talents of internationally renowned guitarist Albert Lee on Saturday.
Robbie Miller, who promotes live music in Bedford, said: "I think closing the Civic is a terrible idea.
"I think it is a fantastic music venue and many promoters are looking to put on bands there in the future.
"For a world class guitarist like Albert Lee to play there shows that the Civic Theatre is a venue that attracts big names."
One of the last shows to be staged at the theatre will be performing arts group The Marianettes' production of Disco Inferno.
And costumed protesters from the troupe were out in force on Wednesday to protest against the closure of the venue.
Corin Eaton, stage manager for the Marianettes, said: "We use the Civic Theatre once a year.
"For us it is going to be detrimental to the kind of shows we can put on."The plans, which also include the demolition of the Old Town hall office block, are being heralded by the mayor as a "stunning" gift to
Bedford Town Centre who claims that the Civic Theatre's closure makes sound financial sense.
He said: "This is good news for tax payers because we will save over 1million a year and good news for residents because they will have a one stop shop for council services right in the town centre, right next to the bus stops and St Paul's Square."
"This is stunning news for the town centre."
And Mr hodgson challenged protesters by saying that the Civic Theatre has seen a reduction in bookings over the last few years with many groups favouring the nearby Harpur Centre and Corn Exchange venues.
He said: "We are not short of theatres and in the last quarter there was only one evening's theatrical performance and two bookings for musical events.
"There have been four separate theatrical events in two years. It is
not expensive to book but people still aren't booking it.
"Closing the Civic Theatre will allow us to invest in the arts that go on at the Corn Exchange and the Harpur Suite."
The Mayor also announced that Bedford Borough Council has bought the Saracen's head Pub, in an attempt to improve refreshment facilities at the Corn Exchange, and provide a welcoming start to an evening at the venue.
He said: "It has always been hard to get a drink in the interval and a lot of people don't even bother.
"It is also hard to see where the merchandise area is at the Corn Exchange and many people don't see it at all."
The Facebook campaign protesting against the changes was originally set up by Emily Finney, the founder of Bedford Burlesque, who also works at the Corn Exchange.
Because she is employed by the council Miss Finney is no longer involved with the campaign.
However, Mr hodgson met with her on Wednesday to talk about her concerns at the closure of the theatre.
He said: "If all the people that have signed up for the Facebook campaign had been to the Civic Theatre four times in the last year this would be a different story.
"Emily's Bedford Burlesque events do not even take place there anymore.
"I think that it is incredibly rude not to talk to me about it first.
"I don't think she should be sacked, but in some companies it would mean instant dismissal."
And the Mayor pledged that Bedford Borough Council would help any groups who use the theatre to find another space.
He said: "The Marianettes are the only local theatre group that use it but we will help them to find somewhere else.
"There are also two dance classes that meet there, but they will be helped to find an alternative space. There are plenty of halls in
Bedford."
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Weather for Bedford
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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