www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-wyeside-arts-centre.html

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I’m also just thinking about how many people will be made redundant if you the Arts Council decided to close down this theatre. I enjoyed the Northcott theatre and have been in couple of shows myself believe it or not?. I also go out and support the professional shows as well at the Northcott and Rougmont Gardens much better than waiting for a train or a bus that never arrives on time to see shows at the other professional theatres like Plymouth or Torquay.

I remember when I saw my first production at the Northcott theatre when I was very young it was called Pirates of Penzance, I remember Pirates and Penzance very well back then.

I have notice the improvements of the Northcott theatre over the years by grants from the Arts Council, I must say Arts Council it is one of the attractive theatres in the country as a person from Exeter, as you can see what I mean.

Exeter theatre experience will be gone for ever, if you the Arts Council decided to close this Northcott theatre, I know we still got the Branfiled theatre but that’s not the same as the Northcott theatre with amateur and professional productions that I do enjoy, I will be happy to pay £15 or £17 to see a show their than the other theatres. The other theatres must be having a laugh on the Northcott that we only have 10 days to save it from the Arts Council for closure. Don’t let the other theatres like Plymouth or Torquay cashing in with the profits let the Northcott decided on its own fait and freedom.

Maybe something else on the Arts Council lists for 2009 to close down the Plymouth or Torquay theatres ?. If so what will their reaction will be?.

Richard B.
Exeter England

It seems that ACE is intent on destroying regional theatre as we know it in this country, as well as bullying non-professional Boards into making decisions that ACE wants. We should be protecting those companies being run by true artists rather than business people who talk the ‘management speak’ that ACE seems to be embracing and advocating (and taking action to achieve in some instances).

And what about actually appointing Arts Officers who actually go and SEE the work that they have the power to trash? Oh, and giving the companies involved a fair opportunity to defend themselves against or at least respond to the challenges ACE are suddenly, without warning, (and, I believe, aginst their own disinvestment policy) giving them. But then, that wouldn’t be the Arts Council would it… If only tax payers really knew what was happening to their money. On which note, How much did ACE spend on their huge ‘Arts Debate’ campaign this year which managed to receive a total of just over 1200 contributions from the public (most of whom probably worked in the arts anyway) - that’s contributions - not people, by the way. And they talk about public engagement…. Perhaps they should look to themselves.

At the Northcott, it’s only the odd touring company that gives you something to think about - like Out of Joint theatre company - which brings decent stuff to people too far out of London so I guess in that respect it’s a shame the theatre closes. You can’t deny the fact that the theatre has an ageing audience (check the box office stats) that have been pandered to for far too long. I’m not saying turn the Northcott into some experimental producing/receiving house (the Pheonix can do that) but give us something to get excited about at least! I’m a firm believer in keeping the classics alive but produce them with energy and excitement. And give us some new writing and visiting directors. I speak from the younger generation who are fed up of being called the audience of tomorrow - I want to be the audience who is considered today, one who is left enthused, amazed and inspired, not falling asleep by the end of Act 1!

I feel gutted for the staff and it’s pretty harsh the way the Arts Council has done this but it sounds like it didn’t come without warning. I don’t want the theatre to close because I see the potential it has to be a truly fantastic regional theatre entertaining and educating a wide spectrum of people whose taxes support it, not just the middle class/middle age group.

Discover some dynamism Northcott management (your staff I’m sure will agree you need it) and your theatre will be saved.

Good luck!

In some cases it might be down to bad management, however the Council should help and advise the management, not remove a facility that is used and loved by the public. It really beggars belieive,how does some bloke and his cohorts get to be in such position of power? I had my run ins with South west Arts some twenty years ago,they were incompatent then, obviously nothing changes. Equity should start causing a fuss,along with Bectu, mind you they are both pretty wet. I have written to Angela Browing my MP who has already made a statement about The Northcott as has Ben Bradshaw, mind you with Barbera Hodge in the the job for Goverment i don’t suppose that she will listen. As you said the Reddgrave was allowed to go,the whole thing is a travetsy.