Latest news with #communityarts
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Reigate & Banstead Council to discuss future of Harlequin Theatre
A Surrey council's executive will meet to decide the future of a theatre, which had to close in September 2023 due to the discovery of Raac (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).Reigate & Banstead Council (RBC) will meet to decide the future of the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill on 19 June, as well as discussing the creation of a new arts and cultural venue.A report makes recommendations to secure the future of the theatre and bring it back into use as soon as possible, including to proceed with removal of the Raac and essential works to allow the theatre to reopen at previous the discovery of the concrete, the theatre had a capacity of over 500 people. The report advises the council to appoint a specialist company to market and seek expressions of interest for the Harlequin to be run by a third-party operator, with a budget of up to £40,000 for this work, funded by council also says RBC should allocate up to £4.5m in funding from council reserves to fund a design team and the works required to bring the Harlequin back into approved this will also need to be agreed by the full council. Council leader Richard Biggs said: "We remain committed to bringing the Harlequin Theatre back into use and securing its future. "The recommendations seek to balance the community aspirations to bring the theatre back into use as quickly as possible with the need to prioritise community safety."The recommendation to secure a third party to operate the theatre in the future, is about seeking to ensure the financial sustainability of the theatre by reducing the council's subsidy contribution."
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bradford Playhouse to become more accessible after fundraiser
A campaign to make a historical theatre more accessible has surpassed its planned target by more than £5,000.A fundraising appeal started earlier this year by Bradford Playhouse, on Peckover Street in Little Germany, reached just over its original £10,000 the theatre company said in a post on social media that a volunteer had donated an extra £5,000 on the final day before fundraising closed, bringing their total up to £15, Megan Wilson said the original target was set up to help "ensure that every member of our community can experience the joy of live theatre". She said: "This project is about breaking down barriers and making the arts accessible to everyone."We're asking our audiences, supporters and the wider community to help us make this happen."The money will go towards adding a lift from the street level to the bar in the art deco building, as well as a new washroom and accessible internal work will further include a new doorway, the removal of metal additions from the 1990s and a repaint of the building – essentially restoring much of its 1930s design. 'Incredible help' The building is also currently being given an external makeover after works were approved by Bradford Council in Playhouse has been at the heart of the city's cultural scene since the playwright JB Priestley, who wrote the acclaimed play An Inspector Calls, was president of the theatre from 1932 until his death in theatre hosts numerous performances throughout the year, including its annual the layout of the building, including a stepped access, means it is not fully accessible.A post from the theatre thanked those who had shared their support for the works, as their "generosity is making a world of difference".The post added: "Although the official campaign has ended, we're keeping it open for a while longer to accept additional donations."Along with the generous support from Bradford 2025, your incredible help means we're one step closer to making Bradford Playhouse a welcoming, accessible space for everyone." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
