Haymarket closure challanged

BECTU has written to MPs about the planned closure of Leicester Haymarket Theatre.

The closure, announced on 20 May, is believed to be due to a financial deficit of £450,000.

BECTU has not been consulted on the closure, which is proposed to take place at the end of July.

The union has written to local MPs in the Leicester area, asking them to intervene with East Midlands Arts to arrange a rescue package which will allow the theatre to remain open.

Over the past two years discussions have been taking place with the funders and the local authority about the proposed development of a new arts complex in Leicester, which would include a replacement for the Leicester Haymarket.

BECTU had previously been given an undertaking that during the period between the closure of the Leicester Haymarket and the opening of the new venue, believed to be 2006, there would be no loss of core staff, including production staff. At that time it was envisaged that the gap between the closure of the Haymarket and the opening of the new venue would be approximately one year.

Although for many years the Leicester Haymarket has been regarded as one of the country's leading repertory theatres the union beleieves in recent years it has been blighted by poor management.

The theatre employs nearly 100 members of staff, and also creates employment for a number of freelancers in the Midlands, as well as performers and musicians.

BECTU has written to local Leicester MPs Keith Vaz, James Marshall and Patricia Hewitt asking then to play a constructive part in finding a rescue package which can save the theatre.