Exeter Northcott theatre – which came out fighting from the Arts Council funding debacle just two years ago – has been put into administration. And already public support is being shown with the theatre riding high in the Twitter trends.
The trustees made the move when they were presented with financial information that the theatre was insolvent.
Chairman of Trustees Geoff Myers said: “We took this decision with a heavy heart, but when presented with the latest financial information we had no choice but to place the Theatre into administration. It is to be hoped that a way can be found to effect a rescue of the theatre.
“In the meantime I would encourage theatre-goers to continue to support the Exeter Northcott in the knowledge that those who book their tickets while the company is in administration will, in the event of any performances being cancelled, be issued with a full refund. I have been greatly encouraged by the response of stakeholders, who have agreed to do all they can to ensure the theatre continues in some way as a performance venue.”
Administrator Ian Walker said: “In the short term is it our intention to try and ensure that all performances in the spring programme can continue and announcements will be made in the press and on the Exeter Northcott website as soon as possible. In the longer term I believe it is important to ensure a theatre can be maintained in Exeter and I intend to hold discussions with all existing and possibly new stakeholders at the earliest opportunity.”
Exeter City Council and Exeter Univeristy have agreed to explore with the administrator ways of continuing to use the theatre as an arts venue for the benefit of local people. They were among various organisations who contributed to the refurbishment of the theatre in 2007 and provide annual grants towards its operating costs.
Philip Bostock, the chief executive of Exeter City Council, said: “The city council will play an active role in any discussions to look at a way forward for the Northcott. We are wholly committed to the arts and the provision of high quality theatre for the city.”
Exeter University Drama Professor Nick Kaye, said: “The Theatre is a high-quality venue and will continue to be made available for public performances. We will work with the other stakeholders to try and find a sustainable model to continue providing artistic events there.”
There was an outpouring of support when the Arts Council announced that the theatre wouldn’t receive funding in December 2007 with the public and acting community rallying round to ensure the theatre’s ongoing existence.
With a number of strong shows, and a Tweet up only last week along with a sell out for the forthcoming English Touring Opera’s Midsummer Night’s Dream already being sold out, it looked as if the Northcott was fighting back well in terms of audience and innovation. That audience support has continued – the Twitterers had pushed the annoucement of administration to the top of the country’s trend.
• What’s your experience of the Exeter Northcott? Comments below, please
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