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Half London's small theatres 'insecure about future' | Half London's small theatres 'insecure about future' |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Almost half of London's small theatres feel "insecure" about their financial future and a third fear their venues could be sold, a study has found. | Almost half of London's small theatres feel "insecure" about their financial future and a third fear their venues could be sold, a study has found. |
The London Assembly study spoke to 55 theatres with a capacity no greater than 300 seats. | The London Assembly study spoke to 55 theatres with a capacity no greater than 300 seats. |
More than 85% of them said they lacked rehearsal space and 34% feared the venue would be sold or converted. | More than 85% of them said they lacked rehearsal space and 34% feared the venue would be sold or converted. |
The report urged the mayor to offer City Hall as a venue for rehearsals and called for a fund to be set up. | The report urged the mayor to offer City Hall as a venue for rehearsals and called for a fund to be set up. |
The six-month study, Centre Stage, said many of London's 105 smaller capacity theatres "face serious potential threats to their existence and may be at risk of closing". | The six-month study, Centre Stage, said many of London's 105 smaller capacity theatres "face serious potential threats to their existence and may be at risk of closing". |
It called on London Mayor Boris Johnson to appoint a new ambassador for small theatres. | It called on London Mayor Boris Johnson to appoint a new ambassador for small theatres. |
'Essential' role | 'Essential' role |
The report also urged Transport for London to make it easy for small venues to advertise on Tube, rail and tram stations. | The report also urged Transport for London to make it easy for small venues to advertise on Tube, rail and tram stations. |
Many theatres said they failed to attract audiences because they relied on mailing lists and social media to market shows. | Many theatres said they failed to attract audiences because they relied on mailing lists and social media to market shows. |
However, the majority of respondents said their ticket sales had increased over the past year, with only 20% noting a decrease. | |
Also three-quarters of the 55 venues surveyed said they need to significantly upgrade or repair their buildings but 93% of them do not have the required funds. | Also three-quarters of the 55 venues surveyed said they need to significantly upgrade or repair their buildings but 93% of them do not have the required funds. |
London Assembly Member Tom Copley, who led the investigation, said: "Beyond the bright lights of the West End, there are theatres all across London which play an essential part in the cultural life of the capital. | London Assembly Member Tom Copley, who led the investigation, said: "Beyond the bright lights of the West End, there are theatres all across London which play an essential part in the cultural life of the capital. |
"However, it is clear from our survey that they are facing real difficulties at the moment and many feel insecure about their future. It would be a terrible loss to the capital if these venues were allowed to disappear." | "However, it is clear from our survey that they are facing real difficulties at the moment and many feel insecure about their future. It would be a terrible loss to the capital if these venues were allowed to disappear." |
Actress and comedienne Jo Brand told the committee: "Small is generally where you start, hence the preservation of small venues must be a priority, not just in London but country wide". | Actress and comedienne Jo Brand told the committee: "Small is generally where you start, hence the preservation of small venues must be a priority, not just in London but country wide". |
The survey covered a wide range of theatres, from the unfunded Finborough Theatre in Earl's Court to the Gate in Notting Hill, which is supported by Arts Council England. |
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