It looks as though the last remaining "entertainment" facility in Ramsgate could be in difficulties.
I havnt seen their business plan, but as a private company, there is very little that public bodies can do to help them.
The report below says that "Councillors" have turned down a request for rent relief. That's the first I'd heard of a request, so I guess its either officers or TDC Cabinet.
I'd be interested to know if people think they should be helped in this way?
The Gazette report
Threat to Ramsgate's Granville Theatre
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 13:30
IT COULD be the final curtain for the 60-year-old Granville Theatre.
Little Voice actress Brenda Blethyn and Bruce Forsyth's daughter Julie turned up at an emergency meeting on Saturday to lend their support to the seafront theatre at Ramsgate's East Cliff.
Steven Foster, the chief executive of Granville Theatre Ltd, broke the news to shareholders that its days could be numbered.
He said: "It is no secret that we are struggling as a business."
The company took over the lease in May 2007 and needed to raise £200,000 by selling shares. But it could only raise £135,000.
Mr Foster admitted: "We have had to make up the £65,000 shortfall with bank loans and overdrafts. But with interest payments we cannot continue to operate as we are."
He has been dipping into his own pocket to keep the theatre afloat along with managing director Philip Shaw.
Mr Foster said: "The theatre is my passion. We have to re-think our strategy and go back to grass roots in the business plan."
The theatre celebrated its diamond anniversary in June. Stars to have trod its boards include actor Sir John Mills, Sound of Music star Julie Andrews, controversial American singer Jerry Lee Lewis and comedians Benny Hill and Leslie Crowther.
The theatre's cinema has also been hit by falling attendance and strong competition.
Mr Foster said: "Very few shows have sold well. I put on two shows myself and sold 80 tickets across two nights. We knew we had taken a hit when the new cinema Vue opened at Westwood Cross."
The Granville is owned by Thanet council which charges Granville Theatre Ltd £10,000 a year rent.
Mr Foster's appeal for a "rent holiday" has been rejected by councillors.
He added: "We must look at what shows and films have been successful and what hasn't. The current economic climate is hurting everybody in entertainment but there seems to be particular apathy towards the theatre from the locals.
"We need to get the community behind us. If not, we will close in a matter of months"
Stella Artwat
7 hours ago
10 comments:
Yet again a part of Ramsgate's heritage goes cap in hand.... has the call for help been ignored?
Same 'ole story though, it will only be taken away at a later point in time, even if a change of heart was to materialise from the sitting blue tenents...
Who cut the lifeline to the Model Village and the Motor Museum?
Ha! Are the reds any different?
60,000 people need to send £1 each and it's sorted.
why should the rate payer subsidise this place. let those who want it pay
It always seems so ludicrously over-staffed. If the Granville lot have a seriously request for a rent holiday then perhaps they should say how big their wage bill in compared to income.
It always seems that for every 2 pensioners watching a film there are 20 members of staff in the building.
easy to blame the Vue but put films on that people want not films that Ralph h wants and you might get an audience
like so many good hearted people Ralph seems to think everyone wants what he wants.
He needs to come out of his sheltered world, and smell the coffee. Its a bit like football supporters, they all think we like football. Me I hate it.
It's sad how many of those who have made comments are misinformed very few staff are employed. most are unpaid voluntees and Ralph does not choose films. They are choosen by members of the film club. Please check facts before posting comments.
The article in the press was totally incorrect as TDC and councillors have been very helpful. Steve Foster is hardly ever seen in the Theatre and Philip Shaw is the one who has put money into it.I have always found the staff friendly and helpful.
Firstly - I dont think it helps talking down a part of ramsgates heritage. we all could do something to support it like get off our fatty ends and watch some theatre reather than xfactor etc.
anyways ive seen that mrlaws around the building so an positive action plan must be afoot
It is a shame that a part of the fabric of Thanet might disappear. Are there no lottery or Arts type council grants that could help.
I have very fond memories of the Granville
The trouble is that once you lose these sorts of places they are never replaced such as the Royal Pavillion and the Lido Theatre and in fact the Queens Theatre at Cliftonville.
We need to get out more
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