Derby Playhouse closes again

The Derby Playhouse closed its doors for the second time in as many months on Saturday 2 February.

The curtain fell for good after the final performance of Treasure Island following an earlier closure in December. The theatre went into receivership when Derby City Council refused to commit to advance funding.

Thanks to support and financial backing from two former members of the old Board it was possible to stage Treasure Island whilst attempts to secure the theatre’s longer term future got underway.

“Sixty staff lost their jobs in December and now 15-20 staff who have been employed since then on a weekly basis find themselves on the dole again.” commented national official Lynne Korniak.

Arts Council England dealt the final blow last week when it withdrew support from the theatre as a regularly funded organisation.

However the Arts Council have allocated almost £3m for theatre in Derby but this will be administered by the City Council. BECTU will be contacting the council’s Chief Executive to clarify how the new funds are to be spent, particularly if the Playhouse is to close permanently, and the extent of the Council’s commitment to professional repertory theatre in Derby.