The former Mayor Gwen Horrigan said as she formally handed over her office to Cllr Brian Smith that Southend Theatres should reduce their charges for charities using their venues.
Mrs Horrigan said: “I would urge the theatres to look at their charges for charities. It is difficult to raise money in the current economic climate.
“I’m grateful to members of my own charity committee who were prepared to underwrite events we held at the Cliffs Pavilion and the Palace Theatre.
“It is increasingly difficult for many small groups to be able to pay the ever increasing charges.
“The loss of the New Empire Theatre in Alexandra Street was a blow to many of the smaller organisations, which struggle to pay the higher hire charges.
“We have two wonderful theatres in the Palace and the Cliffs Pavilion. I would just urge them to be more sympathetic to small groups.”
Southend Theatres owns both the Cliffs Pavillion and the Palace Theatre. Its general manager, Ellen McPhillips, told the Southend Standard: “Our charges to local groups are already reduced by 20 per cent compared with commercial hirings.
“Only a few days ago, we held a special hirers’ meeting to discuss any problems they have.
“We are anxious to help local groups and work with charities but we cannot subsidise them.
“Southend Theatres has to make money or we would not be here.”
