Comments on: Playhouse Lodges ACE Appeal http://www.savederbyplayhouse.org/2008/01/16/playhouse-lodges-ace-appeal/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:36:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Joyce Kinton http://www.savederbyplayhouse.org/2008/01/16/playhouse-lodges-ace-appeal/#comment-114 Joyce Kinton Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:36:47 +0000 http://www.savederbyplayhouse.org/2008/01/16/playhouse-lodges-ace-appeal/#comment-114 Well said Graham ! Youve put it in a nutshell.... The people of Derby have performed a miracle and ahve undeed done extraordinary things in the name of Live theatre in Derby.. I will be among those asked to take part in a peaceful candlelight protest in Nottingham on Wed... I took my place with other like minded people in the candle light protest on the steps of the Derby City Council...got extemely wet, but within 3 days the Playhouse was open again ! We will do EVERYTHING in our power to save the only TRUE theatre in Derby...let the people decide, show your alleginace to the Playhouse if you can come on Wed... At least we arent standing by doing nothing... Lets show the Arts council that we mean business.. See you there, Joyce Kinton. Well said Graham !
Youve put it in a nutshell….
The people of Derby have performed a miracle and ahve undeed done extraordinary things in the name of Live theatre in Derby..
I will be among those asked to take part in a peaceful candlelight protest in Nottingham on Wed…
I took my place with other like minded people in the candle light protest on the steps of the Derby City Council…got extemely wet, but within 3 days the Playhouse was open again !
We will do EVERYTHING in our power to save the only TRUE theatre in Derby…let the people decide, show your alleginace to the Playhouse if you can come on Wed…
At least we arent standing by doing nothing…
Lets show the Arts council that we mean business..
See you there, Joyce Kinton.

]]> By: Graham Marriott http://www.savederbyplayhouse.org/2008/01/16/playhouse-lodges-ace-appeal/#comment-99 Graham Marriott Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:05:12 +0000 http://www.savederbyplayhouse.org/2008/01/16/playhouse-lodges-ace-appeal/#comment-99 I have been monitoring the debate with great interest, as both a former contractor and a community theatre member. I have been privileged to enjoy a good working relationship with all sides of the house, from independent and corporate traders in Derby and Derbyshire who put up Playhouse posters or display brochures and flyers in their premises (and come to support the preview shows), through to the key people at the centre of this incredible situation, and to the wider arts community. I recommend to anyone that we take up the Playhouse offer of openness and transparency by setting aside time to read the Playhouse’s appeal to the Arts Council and the sales figures they have published, as well as the statements issued by Derby City Council and the Arts Council. Once you have done that, you will hopefully feel the same as I do; it is fantastic that so many people care passionately about this theatre, and that there is much agreement from all sides about the importance of producing theatre as a vital component in Derby’s cultural landscape. It overwhelms me to see so many people share my love of live theatre, and I am relieved to see that both Stepping Out and now Treasure Island have attracted good reviews and solid ticket sales. The key movers and shakers on all sides of this debate are highly professional, experienced and well respected, and just through my own limited experience of promoting professional and amateur theatre in Derby I can honestly say that the energy and dedication shown by all participants will be difficult to find in greater measure within any other industry – despite the low pay and long hours! ‘Theatre is a highly collaborative art that requires much of everyone and is full of risk’, to quote a former Playhouse figure, Annie Castledine. Keeping the Playhouse going in a less than ideal physical situation and with only 530 seats means the economics and the marketing can sometimes be terrifying, you will find very few people who will fight for the present building but once inside it is one of the most welcoming and intimate theatres in the land. So I urge everyone to set aside a little time to read up on the freely available facts, and remember this is one of the few industries where such magic is created, and where ordinary people do extraordinary things to help us ‘understand the greatest art of all; the art of living’. Let’s keep it that way – Save the Derby Playhouse! Graham I have been monitoring the debate with great interest, as both a former contractor and a community theatre member. I have been privileged to enjoy a good working relationship with all sides of the house, from independent and corporate traders in Derby and Derbyshire who put up Playhouse posters or display brochures and flyers in their premises (and come to support the preview shows), through to the key people at the centre of this incredible situation, and to the wider arts community.

I recommend to anyone that we take up the Playhouse offer of openness and transparency by setting aside time to read the Playhouse’s appeal to the Arts Council and the sales figures they have published, as well as the statements issued by Derby City Council and the Arts Council.

Once you have done that, you will hopefully feel the same as I do; it is fantastic that so many people care passionately about this theatre, and that there is much agreement from all sides about the importance of producing theatre as a vital component in Derby’s cultural landscape. It overwhelms me to see so many people share my love of live theatre, and I am relieved to see that both Stepping Out and now Treasure Island have attracted good reviews and solid ticket sales.

The key movers and shakers on all sides of this debate are highly professional, experienced and well respected, and just through my own limited experience of promoting professional and amateur theatre in Derby I can honestly say that the energy and dedication shown by all participants will be difficult to find in greater measure within any other industry – despite the low pay and long hours! ‘Theatre is a highly collaborative art that requires much of everyone and is full of risk’, to quote a former Playhouse figure, Annie Castledine. Keeping the Playhouse going in a less than ideal physical situation and with only 530 seats means the economics and the marketing can sometimes be terrifying, you will find very few people who will fight for the present building but once inside it is one of the most welcoming and intimate theatres in the land.

So I urge everyone to set aside a little time to read up on the freely available facts, and remember this is one of the few industries where such magic is created, and where ordinary people do extraordinary things to help us ‘understand the greatest art of all; the art of living’.

Let’s keep it that way – Save the Derby Playhouse!

Graham

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