Local theatre group chairman speaks in support of Southend Theatres

Following the outgoing mayor Gwen Horrigan’s comments that small theatre groups and charities cannot afford to use local theatres, the chairman of a local theatre group has spoken in support of Southend Theatres.

Steve McCartney, Chairman of Lindisfarne, a local theatre group that has been running in Southend for 40 years, said: 
 
“Lindisfarne used the services of Southend Theatres back in February this year when we hired the Dixon space for our production of A Doll’s House. 

“I would just like to say not only was the hire rate very acceptable, but the
staff were very helpful.  

“We sold more seats than we expected and had we staged our show at our normal regular venue, at the Focus centre, we would not have received anywhere near as much support and professionalism as was displayed by the
Palace Theatre staff.  
 
“We have just visited the Dixon in preparation for our next show in June and once again I am impressed by the service we have received.   

 ”I think the Dixon space most suitable for small performing groups and more importantly, in this tough financial climate, not too much of a drain on our meagre budgets.”

 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.”

 The general manager of Southend Theatres, which owns both the Cliffs Pavilion and the Palace Theatre, is Ellen McPhillips. In response, she said:  

 ”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.”