Comments on: Tragedy in Derby http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/ Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:40:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: Joanne Ferenczi http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-16543 Joanne Ferenczi Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:06:01 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-16543 Hi all, A quick message to say excellent progress made by the new Board at Derby Playhouse. For archive of events-see BBC Derby(on web), or Derby Evening Telegraph( on web.) Creditor's meeting next Wed 30th July. We are all hoping for a successful outcome. Cheers, Jo. Hi all,
A quick message to say excellent progress made by the new Board at Derby Playhouse.
For archive of events-see BBC Derby(on web), or Derby Evening Telegraph( on web.)
Creditor’s meeting next Wed 30th July. We are all hoping for a successful outcome.
Cheers, Jo.

]]> By: Joanne Ferenczi http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-4677 Joanne Ferenczi Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:11:44 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-4677 Well, you may have heard the predictable news that ACE- East Midlands withdrew all funding from Derby Playhouse, but gave Derby City Council an enormous sum to ringfence for the future of theatre in the region. It seems a bit ironic that this may have come about due to overwhelming public support shown in petitions and cash donated for the Playhouse. Many worry that the City Council will be inept in providing professional producing theatre!!!!! We are very dubious about what this might entail -possibly a civic theatre with a mix of pantos and visiting companies? The worry is also that when and if this all fails- the site may indeed end up as a branch of Tescos. It is truly appalling that the City of Derby with its proud theatrical tradition has been robbed of a cultural gem, in the most brutal and political of circumstances. I went to the last performance of Treasure Island. The performance was exemplary, and the audience rapturous. But there was real expressed grief and disbelief by Jonathon Powers and the looks on the actor's faces said it all .I understand the staff working at the Playhouse were hugely professional and committed. Some had worked there for decades and had amazing expertise. They are very rarely mentioned in all the political furore between the DPH managers and the City Council. But the main losers in all of this will be the Derby public and theatre lovers; also future generations. This has truly been a TRAGEDY of epic proportions..... Joanne Well, you may have heard the predictable news that ACE- East Midlands withdrew all funding from Derby Playhouse, but gave Derby City Council an enormous sum to ringfence for the future of theatre in the region. It seems a bit ironic that this may have come about due to overwhelming public support shown in petitions and cash donated for the Playhouse.
Many worry that the City Council will be inept in providing professional producing theatre!!!!!
We are very dubious about what this might entail -possibly a civic theatre with a mix of pantos and
visiting companies?
The worry is also that when and if this all fails- the site may indeed end up as a branch of Tescos.
It is truly appalling that the City of Derby with its proud theatrical tradition has been robbed of a cultural
gem, in the most brutal and political of circumstances.
I went to the last performance of Treasure Island. The performance was exemplary, and the audience
rapturous. But there was real expressed grief and disbelief by Jonathon Powers and the looks on the actor’s
faces said it all .I understand the staff working at the Playhouse were hugely professional and committed.
Some had worked there for decades and had amazing expertise. They are very rarely mentioned in all
the political furore between the DPH managers and the City Council.
But the main losers in all of this will be the Derby public and theatre lovers; also future generations.
This has truly been a TRAGEDY of epic proportions…..
Joanne

]]> By: Joanne Ferenczi http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-3944 Joanne Ferenczi Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:30:10 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-3944 Hi again-just to let you know there is to be a candlelit vigil outside the ACE East Midlands tomorrow 23/1 4.45 pm onwards. This is a peaceful protest against the witheld £700,000.The Derby Playhouse has launched an appeal- please see their website for details. This may be the Playhouse's last chance for survival. There has been massive public support and a hugely successful run of Treasure Island. Please also see Save Derby Playhouse website for details of vigil and general updates. I believe that the Derby Telegraph will be covering the news of the vigil; possibly BBC Derby also. Please keep in touch everyone- the public's views really do count. There have been 14000 signatures on the Playhouse petition alone. Keep on fighting for quality of life and the future of professional producing theatre in Derby. Good luck everyone! Joanne Hi again-just to let you know there is to be a candlelit vigil outside the ACE East Midlands tomorrow 23/1
4.45 pm onwards. This is a peaceful protest against the witheld £700,000.The Derby Playhouse has
launched an appeal- please see their website for details.
This may be the Playhouse’s last chance for survival. There has been massive public support and a
hugely successful run of Treasure Island.
Please also see Save Derby Playhouse website for details of vigil and general updates.
I believe that the Derby Telegraph will be covering the news of the vigil; possibly BBC Derby also.
Please keep in touch everyone- the public’s views really do count. There have been 14000 signatures
on the Playhouse petition alone.
Keep on fighting for quality of life and the future of professional producing theatre in Derby.
Good luck everyone! Joanne

]]> By: Joanne Ferenczi http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-2822 Joanne Ferenczi Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:00:57 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-2822 Dear Michael,and other interested parties, It has been heartening to read so many passionate veiws about the Playhouse,if not marred by a few "killjoys", and their determination to undermine the revival of the Playhouse. Most of the current news appears to be on the Derby Telegraph website, and blogs. Please also see Stephen Edwards' written response to the City Council on the Derby Playhouse website. Michael, thankyou so much for flagging up this event,which means so much to us theatre lovers in Derby and surrounds. Currently,the people of Derby and beyond are voting with their feet,judging by the success of Treasure Island,and the huge numbers of people signing petitions and donating cash. We're all on tenderhooks now,waiting for a happy outcome! Dear Michael,and other interested parties,
It has been heartening to read so many passionate veiws about the Playhouse,if not marred by a few
“killjoys”, and their determination to undermine the revival of the Playhouse.
Most of the current news appears to be on the Derby Telegraph website, and blogs.
Please also see Stephen Edwards’ written response to the City Council on the Derby Playhouse
website.
Michael, thankyou so much for flagging up this event,which means so much to us theatre lovers
in Derby and surrounds.
Currently,the people of Derby and beyond are voting with their feet,judging by the success of
Treasure Island,and the huge numbers of people signing petitions and donating cash.
We’re all on tenderhooks now,waiting for a happy outcome!

]]> By: Joanne Ferenczi http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1564 Joanne Ferenczi Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:33:00 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1564 I am amazed reading a few recent blogs what a philistine attitude some people have at a time like this, towards a fantastic theatre. It is obvious how much a huge number of local people treasure and cherish the Playhouse. There seem to be a few individuals out there who relish jumping on the bandwagon and trying to undermine a genuine attempt to rescue this superb theatre. Also I've noticed these individuals hide behind anonymous names! I think you'll find you are outnumbered by a large section of people in Derby and genuine theatregoers who mourn the loss of an irreplacable gem. I've attended many theatres nationally over the years and have found the Playhouse surpasses all in quality and connecting to its audience. If you don't have anything constructive to add to the debate, please don't bother! I am amazed reading a few recent blogs what a philistine attitude some people have at a time like this, towards a fantastic theatre. It is obvious how much a huge number of local people treasure and cherish the Playhouse. There seem to be a few individuals out there who relish jumping on the bandwagon and trying to undermine a genuine attempt to rescue this superb theatre. Also I’ve noticed these individuals hide behind anonymous names! I think you’ll find you are outnumbered by a large section of people in Derby and genuine theatregoers who mourn the loss of an irreplacable gem. I’ve attended many theatres nationally over the years and have found the Playhouse surpasses all in quality and connecting to its audience. If you don’t have anything constructive to add to the debate, please don’t bother!

]]> By: Lightworld http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1486 Lightworld Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:58:52 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1486 http://www.albemarle-london.com:80/Archive/ArchiveShow.php?Show_Name=Tess%20of%20the%20D%27Urbervilles http://www.albemarle-london.com:80/Archive/ArchiveShow.php?Show_Name=Tess%20of%20the%20D%27Urbervilles

]]> By: anon http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1473 anon Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:16:55 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1473 What I find amazing is that this couple, who wrote and produced Tess of the d'Urbervilles at the Savoy in the West End, then did a runner to Ireland owing the cast amongst others are then allowed to return and run a rep. What I find amazing is that this couple, who wrote and produced Tess of the d’Urbervilles at the Savoy in the West End, then did a runner to Ireland owing the cast amongst others are then allowed to return and run a rep.

]]> By: Francis O'Connor http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1470 Francis O'Connor Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:15:35 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1470 I really hope not, but I do fear for the future when established and popular theatres like Derby are so vulnerable. I really hope not, but I do fear for the future when established and popular theatres like Derby are so vulnerable.

]]> By: Michael Coveney http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1465 Michael Coveney Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:41:11 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1465 Francis, this is a terrible situation for you and the technicians you rightly praise so highly. One does begin to wonder in all of this what place of pride and importance a great theatre can take in its own community. Is that post-war dream of regional theatre at last dying in these brutal, brutalised times? Francis, this is a terrible situation for you and the technicians you rightly praise so highly. One does begin to wonder in all of this what place of pride and importance a great theatre can take in its own community. Is that post-war dream of regional theatre at last dying in these brutal, brutalised times?

]]> By: Francis O'Connor http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1448 Francis O'Connor Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:40:00 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1448 I wonder what the situation is like for the actors, technicians and staff of the theatre now out of a job and just before Christmas. I have been unsuccesfully trying to extract the last two thirds of my fee from Derby for the last two months....now I know why it couldnt be paid. It is an apalling situation and it beggars belief that a subsidised theatre could find itself in this position. I was at the Playhouse very recently and had a great time working with a team of technicians who realised my design for Stepping Out with real care and resourcefulness.I sincerely hope that a way is found to get the theatre back on track, producing great work and employing people again.....a bemused creditor! I wonder what the situation is like for the actors, technicians and staff of the theatre now out of a job and just before Christmas. I have been unsuccesfully trying to extract the last two thirds of my fee from Derby for the last two months….now I know why it couldnt be paid. It is an apalling situation and it beggars belief that a subsidised theatre could find itself in this position. I was at the Playhouse very recently and had a great time working with a team of technicians who realised my design for Stepping Out with real care and resourcefulness.I sincerely hope that a way is found to get the theatre back on track, producing great work and employing people again…..a bemused creditor!

]]> By: Lightworld http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1373 Lightworld Sat, 01 Dec 2007 23:49:21 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1373 It seems that every body has accepted the version put forward by Mr Edwards without paying any attention to the real world issues here. The Playhouse used to have one administrator and one artistic director, Ms Hebden arrived as administrator and the then artistic director Mark Clements later resigned. The board then appointed her partner Mr Edwards as artistic director. Somewhere along the way they became joint artistic directors. During their reign the theatre has alienated a substantial part of the local community by its policies and extended the runs of productions despite only playing to audiences of 65%. Coupled with a continuing scenario of over spending on productions and failing to meet the targets of its recovery plan, despite a prolonged period of closure last year through which it was funded, and with exceptional funding fom the Arts Council stated to be in excess of a million. A financial report which was prepared last year was rejected by the artistic directors, yet it would now seem that its phrophecy has come true. For a period of time recently there was also an administrator who departed this Autumn without explanation. I therefore am not surprised that the city council has found it necessary to bring an end to the situation. The artistic directors may be talented artistically, i do not know as I have not been to a playhouse production since they expelled the community groups, however what is clear is that they have not been able to manage the finances in a way that is acceptable to the DCC as a funding body and did not comply with the funding agreement that was set out last spring. This document is available for all to view via the council web site. I have myself many happy memories associated with my visits to the playhouse in over 20 years, including touring with the ballet and lighting productions there. I am therefore saddened by the closure but ultimately not surprised. I believe that the council will take control and seek to establish a new company built on sound financial planning. Ms Hebden and Mr Edwards have no claim on the theatre, the lease belongs to the council. Derby Playhouse Ltd owns very little to pay its creditors and no one can buy the company without agreeing new lease terms with DCC. It seems improbable that they would give such a lease to the outgoing directors. It seems that every body has accepted the version put forward by Mr Edwards without paying any attention to the real world issues here.
The Playhouse used to have one administrator and one artistic director, Ms Hebden arrived as administrator and the then artistic director Mark Clements later resigned. The board then appointed her partner Mr Edwards as artistic director. Somewhere along the way they became joint artistic directors. During their reign the theatre has alienated a substantial part of the local community by its policies and extended the runs of productions despite only playing to audiences of 65%. Coupled with a continuing scenario of over spending on productions and failing to meet the targets of its recovery plan, despite a prolonged period of closure last year through which it was funded, and with exceptional funding fom the Arts Council stated to be in excess of a million. A financial report which was prepared last year was rejected by the artistic directors, yet it would now seem that its phrophecy has come true.
For a period of time recently there was also an administrator who departed this Autumn without explanation. I therefore am not surprised that the city council has found it necessary to bring an end to the situation. The artistic directors may be talented artistically, i do not know as I have not been to a playhouse production since they expelled the community groups, however what is clear is that they have not been able to manage the finances in a way that is acceptable to the DCC as a funding body and did not comply with the funding agreement that was set out last spring. This document is available for all to view via the council web site.
I have myself many happy memories associated with my visits to the playhouse in over 20 years, including touring with the ballet and lighting productions there. I am therefore saddened by the closure but ultimately not surprised. I believe that the council will take control and seek to establish a new company built on sound financial planning.
Ms Hebden and Mr Edwards have no claim on the theatre, the lease belongs to the council. Derby Playhouse Ltd owns very little to pay its creditors and no one can buy the company without agreeing new lease terms with DCC. It seems improbable that they would give such a lease to the outgoing directors.

]]> By: Joanne Ferenczi http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1355 Joanne Ferenczi Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:02:53 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1355 I would like to add my voice of dismay and sadness at the closure of Derby Playhouse. I have lived near Derby for 15 years, and have never experienced such a vibrant and inclusive theatre.The quality of productions have consistently been superb. There has always been an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm,and as an audience member I always felt a sense of connection with the Playhouse community. The current decision to close the DPH is shocking and wasteful,and can never be replaced.It is incredible to think that precidence could be given to the boring glitzy new Westfield shopping centre where apparently money was no object. DPH was a cultural gem in a city fast becoming devoid of quality in the arts. I will do anything to support the future of DPH in the local community. Please don't give up adding our voices to the dissent. Whoever is responsible for this appalling decision should be accountable to the people of Derby and future generations.We have lost a great treasure .My deepest sympathy and thanks to the Playhouse staff and volunteers who have ensured a wonderful experience over many years for theatre lovers like me. I would like to add my voice of dismay and sadness at the closure of Derby Playhouse. I have lived near Derby for 15 years, and have never experienced such a vibrant and inclusive theatre.The quality of productions have consistently been superb. There has always been an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm,and as an audience member I always felt a sense of connection with the Playhouse community.

The current decision to close the DPH is shocking and wasteful,and can never be replaced.It is incredible to think that precidence could be given to the boring glitzy new Westfield shopping centre where apparently money was no object. DPH was a cultural gem in a city fast becoming devoid of quality in the arts.

I will do anything to support the future of DPH in the local community. Please don’t give up adding our voices to the dissent. Whoever is responsible for this appalling decision should be accountable to the people of Derby and future generations.We have lost a great treasure .My deepest sympathy and thanks to the Playhouse staff and volunteers who have ensured a wonderful experience over many years for theatre lovers like me.

]]> By: Anne http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1324 Anne Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:56:53 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1324 I am VERY disappointed to see the demise of the Derby Playhouse. Having been through the closure of the company I used to perform with, as well as having worked Front of House for another large theatre, my heart goes out to the cast, crew & staff involved in this despicable decision by the council. Poor timing - no jobs for anyone this side of Christmas - would it really have hurt to let "Treasure Island" run it's entire season? I realise there are probably lots of "behind the scenes" things which the public are not privvy to, but it seems such poor form to make this decision so close to Christmas. So much for refurbishing the theatre earlier this year - what a waste of time & money THAT turned out to be. We're supposed to be ENCOURING the Arts, not keep people away & Derby NEEDS a venue for live theatre. Gosh, the joys of seeing a theatre show were instilled in me at a young age. Where will the youth of Derby enjoy such pleasures? I am VERY disappointed to see the demise of the Derby Playhouse. Having been through the closure of the company I used to perform with, as well as having worked Front of House for another large theatre, my heart goes out to the cast, crew & staff involved in this despicable decision by the council. Poor timing - no jobs for anyone this side of Christmas - would it really have hurt to let “Treasure Island” run it’s entire season?

I realise there are probably lots of “behind the scenes” things which the public are not privvy to, but it seems such poor form to make this decision so close to Christmas. So much for refurbishing the theatre earlier this year - what a waste of time & money THAT turned out to be. We’re supposed to be ENCOURING the Arts, not keep people away & Derby NEEDS a venue for live theatre. Gosh, the joys of seeing a theatre show were instilled in me at a young age. Where will the youth of Derby enjoy such pleasures?

]]> By: Paul Hearne http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1294 Paul Hearne Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:41:25 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1294 My children have grown up on regular visits to extra-ordinary productions at the Derby Playhouse. Without the Derby Playhouse their lives would have been influences almost entirely by computer games and TV. I am appalled that our so called representatives on the Derby City Council are not able to see the cultural black hole that Derby City is becoming through their obsession with short term financial gain with its wholesale selling out to commercial developers. Derby City is rapidly becoming a culturally dead, architecturally uninspiring, traffic congested, no go area; with no remaining visual memory of its past or vision for its future. The closure of Derby Playhouse extinguishes the last remaining "light" in Derby City. Evidently us theatre going families, if we can afford the fuel, will now have to drive in our global warming vehicles, to Nottingham, which at least has an excellent tram service to take us to its numerous city centre theatres. Derby Playhouse warned Derby City Council of the probable financial consequences to the Playhouse caused by the incredibly repetitive and unecessarily long term disruption to traffic and businesses from the Westfield development. Why, as part of their agreement with Westfield, didn't the City Council demand a financial support package for the theatre? This apparent failure of competent management does undermine the Derby City Council claim that it wants to secure the Playhouses future. Furthermore it does support the view that there has been an ulterior agenda to cause closure of the theatre, which occupies a prime city centre site. Presumably revenues from an apartment store will be vastly more lucrative. But where will my grandchildren enjoy the experience of live theatre? Obviously not in Derby. My family will sadly miss our visit to the Playhouse this Christmas to see Treasure Island. We will remember all the wonderful Christmas productions we have enjoyed together over the years and mourn for Derby. "Without a vision, the people perish." My children have grown up on regular visits to extra-ordinary productions at the Derby Playhouse. Without the Derby Playhouse their lives would have been influences almost entirely by computer games and TV. I am appalled that our so called representatives on the Derby City Council are not able to see the cultural black hole that Derby City is becoming through their obsession with short term financial gain with its wholesale selling out to commercial developers. Derby City is rapidly becoming a culturally dead, architecturally uninspiring, traffic congested, no go area; with no remaining visual memory of its past or vision for its future. The closure of Derby Playhouse extinguishes the last remaining “light” in Derby City. Evidently us theatre going families, if we can afford the fuel, will now have to drive in our global warming vehicles, to Nottingham, which at least has an excellent tram service to take us to its numerous city centre theatres.

Derby Playhouse warned Derby City Council of the probable financial consequences to the Playhouse caused by the incredibly repetitive and unecessarily long term disruption to traffic and businesses from the Westfield development. Why, as part of their agreement with Westfield, didn’t the City Council demand a financial support package for the theatre? This apparent failure of competent management does undermine the Derby City Council claim that it wants to secure the Playhouses future. Furthermore it does support the view that there has been an ulterior agenda to cause closure of the theatre, which occupies a prime city centre site. Presumably revenues from an apartment store will be vastly more lucrative. But where will my grandchildren enjoy the experience of live theatre? Obviously not in Derby.

My family will sadly miss our visit to the Playhouse this Christmas to see Treasure Island. We will remember all the wonderful Christmas productions we have enjoyed together over the years and mourn for Derby. “Without a vision, the people perish.”

]]> By: Gavin Tate-Lovery http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1286 Gavin Tate-Lovery Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:47:52 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1286 I am in the band for the production of Treasure Island - all I can say is that the way in which the news was broken to the company was cowardly in the extreme. The whole thing smacks of some corrupt forces at work and leaves me feeling disgusted with the City council and its so called support for the arts. I lived in rural France for 3 years and something like this would never have happened. I have worked at Derby Playhouse on several occasions and have found it to be one of the most innovative and hard working places I have had the good fortune with which to be involved. I only hope that the local MP and other people who have some influence can bring to fruition the only correct resolution which would be to re-open the Playhouse and bring forward the funding. A city such as Derby deserves a venue for its community of the quality that has been seen here over the last few years. I am in the band for the production of Treasure Island - all I can say is that the way in which the news was broken to the company was cowardly in the extreme. The whole thing smacks of some corrupt forces at work and leaves me feeling disgusted with the City council and its so called support for the arts. I lived in rural France for 3 years and something like this would never have happened. I have worked at Derby Playhouse on several occasions and have found it to be one of the most innovative and hard working places I have had the good fortune with which to be involved. I only hope that the local MP and other people who have some influence can bring to fruition the only correct resolution which would be to re-open the Playhouse and bring forward the funding. A city such as Derby deserves a venue for its community of the quality that has been seen here over the last few years.

]]> By: Amanda Peach http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1282 Amanda Peach Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:13:16 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1282 The unspeakable people who decided to pull the plug on Derby Playhouse should have been there last night to see all the enthusiastic and dedicated members of Derby Playhouse Youth Theatre in floods of tears absolutely devestated by the news - I wonder what the council suggests that they do now - hang around on street corners and have ASBO's served on them - would they fund that????? The unspeakable people who decided to pull the plug on Derby Playhouse should have been there last night to see all the enthusiastic and dedicated members of Derby Playhouse Youth Theatre in floods of tears absolutely devestated by the news - I wonder what the council suggests that they do now - hang around on street corners and have ASBO’s served on them - would they fund that?????

]]> By: robert johnson http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1281 robert johnson Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:02:29 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1281 I am absolutely devestated at the news. Having seen Stepping out 5 times, each to a full house I came to the press night with my children both youth theatre members looking forward to the start of the christmas season having had bad news with my own job. Should have known! Both of my children in tears all the way home.I can not thank all the staff at the playhouse enough for the way they have nurtured and developed both meg and barney. Thankyou I am absolutely devestated at the news. Having seen Stepping out 5 times, each to a full house I came to the press night with my children both youth theatre members looking forward to the start of the christmas season having had bad news with my own job. Should have known! Both of my children in tears all the way home.I can not thank all the staff at the playhouse enough for the way they have nurtured and developed both meg and barney.
Thankyou

]]> By: Kev Castle http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1268 Kev Castle Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:30:32 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1268 As a presenter on Nottingham Hospitals Radio, I have been lucky enough to visit Derby Playhouse on many occasions over the last few years and review the productions that have been staged. Tonight I was shocked to find out that the performance I was there to review, "Treasure Island", could well be the last time I step foot in this wonderful theatre. Not only have I brought my children to the theatre and re introduced my wife to the excitement of the theatre but I have been lucky enough to persuade friends and colleagues to prise themselves away from the TV and get out for a bit of live culture. I have also made some good friends through my visits to Derby Last night the actors, director, lighting technicians, sound people all produced a wonderful show; but this always happens at the Derby Playhouse. Last night though was more emotional than the norm. In Nottingham we are lucky enough to have at least four wonderful theatres. If Derby loses the Playhouse, they will have nothing and nowhere to go for culture vultures like myself. Nottingham Arts Theatre were in the same position earlier this year and the council helped out at the last minute. I really hope that Derby City Council come to their senses and decide not to shut down the good thing that they have going. I have never seen a production at Derby that did not evoke some sort of emotion from me, last night it was sadness. There has always been a full house when I have been and if the past few years are anything to go by Derby Playhouse have a strong and loyal following who I know will fight for their right to great live entertainment As a presenter on Nottingham Hospitals Radio, I have been lucky enough to visit Derby Playhouse on many occasions over the last few years and review the productions that have been staged. Tonight I was shocked to find out that the performance I was there to review, “Treasure Island”, could well be the last time I step foot in this wonderful theatre.
Not only have I brought my children to the theatre and re introduced my wife to the excitement of the theatre but I have been lucky enough to persuade friends and colleagues to prise themselves away from the TV and get out for a bit of live culture. I have also made some good friends through my visits to Derby
Last night the actors, director, lighting technicians, sound people all produced a wonderful show; but this always happens at the Derby Playhouse. Last night though was more emotional than the norm.
In Nottingham we are lucky enough to have at least four wonderful theatres. If Derby loses the Playhouse, they will have nothing and nowhere to go for culture vultures like myself. Nottingham Arts Theatre were in the same position earlier this year and the council helped out at the last minute. I really hope that Derby City Council come to their senses and decide not to shut down the good thing that they have going.
I have never seen a production at Derby that did not evoke some sort of emotion from me, last night it was sadness. There has always been a full house when I have been and if the past few years are anything to go by Derby Playhouse have a strong and loyal following who I know will fight for their right to great live entertainment

]]> By: Patty http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1081 Patty Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:20:42 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1081 Dear Mr Coveney. I am one of those many people who have traveled a long way to attend a performance at the Playhouse. I came because Ms Kinton is my friend and so wanted me to see her beloved theater where she volunteers and because I am a huge fan of one of it's actors Glenn Carter. I came all the way from RI in America to see him in Merrily We Roll Along and fell in love with the city center and especially Derby Playhouse right away. I have not come again since but hope to when the occasion is right and it would break my heart to see this wonderful theater close. I have been an entertainer myself for years and have been on a committee to save a theater before. When the attempts failed and the theater closed it was devastating to many and I don't want to see this happen again to anyone. I know the work it takes to create what a theater like Derby Playhouse has and it's loyalty from the fans is a reflection of what they have achieved. It is time to stop allowing the big cooperations to destroy what is really important all for the almighty dollar. I hope the city council can find a way to help and I'll tell you this much if I could I would join Mr Edwards and chain myself to the staircase if it would help to stop the demolition. I am fans of another actor there now too named Glyn Kerslake and I would do anything I could to stop this wonderful theater from closing for them and my dear friend Joyce. It is one of the reasons I first came to Derby and it and my memories of my time there have a special place in my heart. Patty Abrames. USA Dear Mr Coveney. I am one of those many people who have traveled a long way to attend a performance at the Playhouse. I came because Ms Kinton is my friend and so wanted me to see her beloved theater where she volunteers and because I am a huge fan of one of it’s actors Glenn Carter. I came all the way from RI in America to see him in Merrily We Roll Along and fell in love with the city center and especially Derby Playhouse right away. I have not come again since but hope to when the occasion is right and it would break my heart to see this wonderful theater close. I have been an entertainer myself for years and have been on a committee to save a theater before. When the attempts failed and the theater closed it was devastating to many and I don’t want to see this happen again to anyone. I know the work it takes to create what a theater like Derby Playhouse has and it’s loyalty from the fans is a reflection of what they have achieved. It is time to stop allowing the big cooperations to destroy what is really important all for the almighty dollar. I hope the city council can find a way to help and I’ll tell you this much if I could I would join Mr Edwards and chain myself to the staircase if it would help to stop the demolition. I am fans of another actor there now too named Glyn Kerslake and I would do anything I could to stop this wonderful theater from closing for them and my dear friend Joyce. It is one of the reasons I first came to Derby and it and my memories of my time there have a special place in my heart. Patty Abrames. USA

]]> By: Joyce Kinton http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1049 Joyce Kinton Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:11:21 +0000 http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2007/11/20/tragedy-in-derby/#comment-1049 MR Coveney, thank you for your comments on the so called closure of the Derby Playhouse...We need the help of all its loyal patrons and the good people of Derby who would lose so much if the closure takes place... I cannot believe that the City Council would be so mad as to let this occur.... Stephen Edwards wont be alone in his steadfast support for this most popular theatre... There are many people who do travel long distances to visit the Playhouse on a regular basis...without this venue, where would the theatre audiences go to enjoy an evenings entertainment ?? I am a volunteer at the Playhouse and the feed back from patrons is always the same.. They love to come...we dont force anyone to come, they come back time after time simply because they love the productions, the Intimate atmosphere and the good will of the staff. This doesnt end here....watch this space !! Thank you again for fighting our corner... Joyce Kinton. MR Coveney, thank you for your comments on the so called closure of the Derby Playhouse…We need the help of all its loyal patrons and the good people of Derby who would lose so much if the closure takes place…
I cannot believe that the City Council would be so mad as to let this occur….
Stephen Edwards wont be alone in his steadfast support for this most popular theatre…
There are many people who do travel long distances to visit the Playhouse on a regular basis…without this venue, where would the theatre audiences go to enjoy an evenings entertainment ??
I am a volunteer at the Playhouse and the feed back from patrons is always the same..
They love to come…we dont force anyone to come, they come back time after time simply because they love the productions, the Intimate atmosphere and the good will of the staff.
This doesnt end here….watch this space !!
Thank you again for fighting our corner… Joyce Kinton.

]]>