Going Live
Last week Derby City Council announced “Derby Live” a program of entertainment which will bring together touring dance and theatre alongside music bands amateur performances and produced theatre across the city councils venues, one of which may soon be the Derby Playhouse building. Details are as yet thin, and until the City does (if it will) take control of the Playhouse we will not know very much more.
Derby has a long tradition of produced theatre, all of which was established through sweat, tears and hard work. The benefits of which are wide ranging. Will Derby Live for example provide an opportunity to employ the staff who lost their jobs or re-open the youth theatre and community theatre?
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
So tatty tours and dodgy am dram stuff after all, no doubt DSC will bring in their version of Shakespeare with the same old faces getting older in the same oldparts time after time.
Still at least Nottingham is only 25 minutes away and they *still* have better shopping than us!
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 am
There are some good people in the city arts team - Pete Meakin who set up both the youth theatre and community theatre when he was the Playhouse Education Officer
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 am
Bleeding Heart: it’s true Pete was fundamental in setting up DPYT and the community theatre. But (to give credit where it is due) so too were Mark Clements and David Edwards (Artisitic Director and Cheif exec at the time) and also Terry Smith and David Owen (at the time teachers at chelleston school) and Pete’s co-directors in Elenor Rigby.
Pete is a very talented director, actor, teacher and no doubt council arts officer.
In regards to the council running things : it’s certainly not a very common model in produced theatre and without a dedicated permanent creative staff/production team I can’t see it prevailing for too long until it’s just easier to schedule seasons of mass produced tours… which of course the Playhouse building wasn’t built for and has always struggled to accommodate.
Change of management may of course may not be a bad thing (personally i know very little about Karen Hebden or Stephen Edwards having never met them) however both have offered to step down if the theatre is successfully re-opened with a new board. So a change in management was up for offer anyway.
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
… a dark shadow approaches, a ladybird flutters under the feet of a heavy set elephant.
My predictions for the Derby Playhouse are… early 2008 sees false hope, all seems to be well and live on the surface, but underneath the foundations are trembling in the wake of metal monsters.
Performances from distant shores, local hams and 3rd rate bands make an appearance but those holding the reigns put in the performance of the year as they *sadly* declare the building unsuitable for purpose, they tentatively suggest they should sell off the theatre lease to the Eastmeadow Developers who already own the land.
Meanwhile the Derby Un-Happydrome lays in ruins, a grant from a funding body sets free a beautiful rainbow coloured phoenix missed by all but the drug dealers and drunks in that now long lost and ignored part of the city… the Un-Happydrome resplendant in its bright new colours fills itself with amateur over-dramatics as no-one in Derby can even remember what professional theatre in derby looks like never mind find the Un-Happydrome in the dark shadows of the Eastmeadow shopping centre that it finds itself in.
In Finance…Trent Buses see a rise in profits as the Red Arrow proves ever more popular…
In Sport… Derby lose a friendly match to Chesapeake under 10’s
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Mystic mog,
I LOVE IT, i LOVE IT !!!!!
Youre so talented !!!!!
Wish I could write like you !!
Not only that, it makes sense !!!!!!!
Please keep the bloggs coming, it makes a change from listening to the “Chancellors of Derbys exchequer” whinging and thinking they are the only ones with half a brain !!!
KEEP IT COMING and congrats on your style, Joyce X
February 29th, 2008 at 9:33 am
The Saga continues…..
The ACE as far as I can gather were the only creditor to reject the offer of Jonathan Powers and the board to allow them ti take use of One million pound offered to keep the Playhouse open till at least this spring / summer productions can go ahead…
Once again Im quite dim, but if the offer is accepted, wont it go to the ACE anyway ?
If this were a game of chess, it woupd be check mate….
Yet its still going on with Jonathon taking their appeal to court…
I can only wish them well…all concerned are praying this new assertive attitude will not only will good be done, but be seen to be done…
I think the 2 councils thought it would be over by now, but the people in charge have so far have fought thr fight with everything posssible…
We’re with you all the way Jonathan…Joyce X
February 29th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Joyce, just for accuracy there was one other individual who voted for the ACE resolution; an individual owed around £100 whom we know well and we can guess his likely motive. There were two abstentions, a playwright with a long standing relationship with ACE and one of the amateur companies. The City Council tried to vote with ACE but had not completed the proper paperwork, much to the hilarity of almost everyone there.
There was no firm offer of money when the meeting took place, but serious discussions were in progress. Our plan involved putting a charge (a bit like a mortgage) on the lease which would have been security for the creditors. If, after 3 months, we hadn’t been able to raise enough private funding then the mortgage would have been foreclosed. the lease sold and enough money generated to pay all the creditors, including ACE, plus some left over to keep Derby Playhouse Ltd alive but obviously not in the Playhouse building.
Jonathan can not personally lodge an appeal to the court, it has to be one or more of the creditors. I don’t think this will be a problem though
March 1st, 2008 at 8:06 pm
HI Kit, thanks for putting me in the picture…
Not completely sure just what’s going to happen….
So Jonathan cant go to court unless at least one creditor goes with him…I realy hope those people come forward to help save he day and once again spoil the two C’s day, month, year…
How hilarious that the DCC couldnt vote !!!
They must have been kicking themselves for not completing the paperwork !!!!
I trust you know who the unamed person is who’s claiming his thirty peices of silver….
Do you think he sleeps well ?
Went by the old place today….
I keep telling myself not to, but I always do…
Its so dark and dismal…at least three more people have added flowers outside the doors that used to be open for business…
We dont seem to be able to ever go back into the theatre ? is that right ?
Even if the 3 months finding funding, Derby playhouse Ltd wont be in business at the site it used to be ?
I know its a long way off, but where else could they operate ?
Whos going to have the opportunity to use our dear Playhouse ?
I see that Derby Dance have earmarked it for a dance festival or something…How can that be ?
Gosh so many questions and Im realy trying ahrd to understand the answers…..
Please keep filling me in will you ?
theres a lot of me in that theatre….Joyce X
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:40 am
Hi Joyce
I don’t think there will be any problem finding a willing creditor to go to court. If Derby Playhouse Ltd does manage to find the funding to be rescued then we can go back to the theatre. DPH Ltd has 94 years left to run on its lease. As long as that lease isn’t sold (which in our plan would only happen if we don’t find the funding) or forfeited (e.g. by not paying the rent) and DPH Ltd is still in business then we can still use the theatre.
The event with Derby Dance had already been programmed by Derby Playhouse before all the problems; it is even in the spring season brochure. It is a bit annoying that the City Council seem to be taking the credit for it.
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
HI Kit, its great to have someone explaining whats happening at last !
Im a novice and all I need is someone to explain what might or might not happen….
So if DPH gets the funding so that the DCC and the ACE can go fly a kite, we can still use the building ?
Will it ever be like it was before ?
I mean not just used once in a while..but most of the time ?
I cant imagine life without doing my volunteering….
Its bad enough when its dark time, but this seems to be goig on for ever…..I miss the place dreadfuly….
If you get any news that I might understand, will you let me know ? Thanks for your help, Joyce X
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Hi Joyce
Yes, if DPH can find enough private investment to continue then it will be in the Playhouse building. If we don’t, but the lease is sold at full commercial value then it is possible that DPH could continue as a company but not in the Playhouse building. Where and how? It’s too early to say; we will cross that bridge if and when we come to it. The objectives of the charity are to promote and produce live, theatrical events - it doesn’t have to be in the Playhouse although that would be the best option.
Will it ever be like it was before? If we get the building back then in many respects it would be. However, the new business plan does have some major changes. There would be, for example, several businesses run under the overall charge of the Charity, Derby Playhouse Ltd. This would include Derby Playhouse Productions Ltd which would mount the shows. This would allow us to take best advantage of the complicated Tax and VAT regulations. There would be a new Chief Executive of Derby Playhouse Ltd and Karen would become an Associate Director of DPH Productions. But to the paying public it would be business as usual.
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
HI, I think |Im getting it now !
Its still a bit complicated, but as you say its early days…
Theres no idea of the outcome of the court case…
If that works in Jonathan and the board’s favour, |I assume it would be a lot easier to get those doors open again ?
I suppose also this is just conjecture right now….
I wasnt blessed with a lot of patience Im afraid !
Will the court hearing be soon ? I thought I read in 2 weeks time ?
Thank you for ending on an optimistic note !
Im very grateful for your help in this matter….
youre the only one who’s taken time to give me some idea of whats going on ! Joyce X
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:13 am
I don’t know when it may go to court. The 2 weeks is the time scale in which the appeal has to be lodged.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Hi, Heck this could go on forever !
I remember Jonathon Powers saying on the last night of Treasure Island that there would be an extended time of closure and that the fight would go on…
Well it has, but wish there was something practical we could do..
The protests have stopped…no-one knows anything for sure…
Its like waiting for an elephant to give birth !
Pateince ?…NO !
Meantime the poor Old Playhouse looks derelict and aweful…
I find I cant go passed it now….
Have been thinking if I’ll ever get to wear my red T shirt again..
Not a nice thought…
Maybe you could keep your ear to the ground and keep us informed ? Thanks, Joyce X
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Hi Joyce-
Some of us are still hanging in there.
The Playhouse team have definitely won the moral victory!
Good to still be hearing from you!
I’m very busy at the moment, but will be back keeping an
eye on those DET blogs!!!!
Jo X
March 4th, 2008 at 10:40 am
HI Jo, Thanks for encouraging me…it sometimes feels like Im on my own !!
I went away for 2 days last week when the news broke that the lovely ACE had to accept another delay cos the CC hadnt come with the right documents and couldnt vote !!!Tee Hee **
I did manage to get one comment in before the page was taken off….unfortunately I wanted to make a comment to someone called Eric, who was saying it wasnt Karen Hebden he was sick of, it was myself and Barbara and probaly you too !!
I cant remember how he described us…something like “Blitherers”…..
Ofcourse a lady doesnt take that lying down does she ?
But, when I got onto the Derby Telegraph the next day that particular item had been taken off so I couldnt respond to this ERIC…DEREK…whatever…..
My time will come…Ive unfinished business with him…..
I hope we can keep our chins up till Jonathon Powers can get to court with the “darling ACE” …till then we sit tight..
Just wish we could still protest and do something about our disappoval about the treatement measured out to our lovely, lost Playhouse…
Have you been around there lately ?
Gosh its so dark and dreadful…it breaks my heart…
I left some imitation flowers about 3 weeks ago and Ive noticed 3 other people have done the same thing…
After all its like a bereavment, just as painful….
I’ll be back on DT site when another article about the theatre comes up, dont worry… ;byee, Joyce X
March 4th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Joyce,
I try not to pay too much attention to those anti Playhouse
bloggers. I think some of them take great pleasure in sneering
at supporters, as if we’ve got half a brain…..I even wonder if
some of them might be DCC employees? Another contingency
might be disgruntled amateur theatre types who have felt excluded
from the Playhouse? I’m just guessing…..
Luckily, there are thousands of us out there who unconditionally
support the Playhouse, and will not forget the fantastic productions there.
Joyce- have you thought of joining “facebook” so you can link in with
other DPH sites?Maybe you could create a new group for ex volunteers?
It’s just a thought- hope you don’t mind me suggesting!
Jo XXX
March 5th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Hi Joyce, we are all still here you are not on your own,there is not alot we can do at the moment apart from sitting tight. we all hope something good comes out of this mess so keep your tee shirt washed and pressed who knows what will happen.I went to the meeting last monday full of doom for what was to come, but came out thinking it was better than I had hoped for at least the fight was not over and a moral victory was won if nothing else.like Jo said get onto face book I am on there,and lots of other people who worked at the playhouse,there is also a ex employee site you can join I know you were a volunteer but you still worked at the playhouse so I think you would be ok to join.I feel like lots of others out of the loop at the moment on whats going to happen but I am sure someone will let us know one way or another if there is any news.I like you and many others miss it and find it hard to move on, but its not all over till the fat lady sings. Barb x x x
March 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hi everyone- just a quick message.
Chris Williamson(DCC) is available to blog via DET website
this Thursday pm.
Also- interesting comments on article re the proposed “Big Wheel” in Derby. Wonder why all this cash is being thrown at these projects
when the DPH was apparently too expensive!
Jo.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
hiya Barabra, I know I should come to terms with this new “face book”…its my fault !
I alays seem to be giving passwords they dont accept….
I will keep at it and ofcourse my red T shirt is always ready at a mins notice !!
NO Its not over till the Fat lady sings…Im encouraged Barbara… now if I can cope with this face book thing I can come alongside the people who realy care about the Playhouse..
Hopefuly see you there…miss you and the lovley PLayhouse..
Lots of |Love, Joyce X
March 6th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Joyce, if you do join facebook, do look me up!
It’s easy to join- you just need an email address
and make up a password, which you then confirm.
Then type in Derby Playhouse for “groups”, and you’ll
see what there is. It’s a good forum for networking and staying in touch.
Thanks for your comments on DET today!
Jo XX
March 6th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
HI Jo, tommorow will be spent working toward getting on face book….
Ive tried 3 times before and I have to have different passwords each time, I gavr up in the end !!
Its got so populat and I dont want to miss anything and as Barbara says its good ro be able to talk with those people who are likeminded as we are !
Still like to give them what for on the DTE !!!
Thanks, Love Joyce X
March 10th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Hi everyone,
Please could I ask you to read Jonathan Power’s article in the DET(found in the archive for “Derby Playhouse”)-on the comments page.
These “blogs” pages are becoming dominated by anti Playhouse
commentators- some very aggressive- like “Eric!”
Please could some of you add your voices of support- as this is a widely read site.
Thankyou- and good luck in these final stages everyone…..)
Jo.
March 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Dear Eric,
I’m glad you take the time to read this site- and thankyou for flagging
up my comments on the DET site. As a matter of fact, I was picking up my son from school, and returned to find your charming comments.
I should think that the 5000+ supporters of this site feel they’re banging their heads against a brick wall repeating the same points over and over again, which people like you choose not to listen to.
Briefly, I was a member of the DPH community theatre, and I have since
had contact with a few ex Playhouse employees. I choose not to mention their names, for the sake of confidentiality- and it’s up to them what they want to say in public.
What I’m really bored and sick of is the continual sniping of genuine theatre supporters by a committed band of anti DPH and pro DCC
commentators. Constructive criticism is one thing- but I’ve not yet heard
anything of useful substance in your comments- other than arrogant
rhetoric. I’ve stated my case based on what I believe are some of the “facts”- many times in past blogs.
Have you read Kit Lanes’ explanations- either on DET or on this site?
Why don’t you talk to someone who’s actually involved in the process,
instead of chucking out aggressive comments to anyone who supports DPH?
Perhaps you could be more specific about where you’re coming from,
and why you’re so adamantly against a chance of recovery for the Playhouse?
And please could you keep it civil?
March 10th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Wow, Go Jo !! You tell him !
I have this “eric” in my sights…..
We dont need any more like him…
Maybe hes a city councellor ????
If anyone sees a guy with garlic round his neck…please let us know…..the stakes ready “Eric”
Beware of this man, he carries a death warning… LOL Joyce X
March 10th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
HI Jo, I will look up the archives on the DET tommorow..
Ive had my say a lot in those archives, but all to give encouragement to the lovely Playhouse…
Beware of those who dont !!!! JOyce XXXX
March 10th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Joyce,
you always bring a smile to my face!
Good job some of us still have a sense of humour!
What I can’t understand though, is what the “anti”DPH
contingency are doing , checking out Save Derby Playhouse?
Maybe they’re looking for ammunition!
Whatever you do, Joyce, don’t “blather”, as apparently it’s a sin.
Bye for now- Jo X
March 11th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I wont “Blather” I promise…
What is blathering Jo ?
Is it like going on about something you know nothing about ?
Whos blathering then…us or Eric ? LOL !!
Thou shalt not blather, for that you will be nailed to the City Council’s entrance to show other blatheres what to expect if they DARE blather !!!!!*****
Im on the lookout for those trouble makers Jo….
Maybe we cou;ld round them all up and stick them on the Eagle Centre (also read “Westfield” centre) roof and watch them squirm……..
Ive tried to get you on face book…yes I have mastered the art of finding the right pass word at last !
Cant see you or Barbara ? Ill keep looking…love Joyce XXXX
March 11th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
HI JO, Ive been warned off for speaking my mind on the DET site, so Ive withdrawn from that….
You wont see any more comments from me, there or anywhere..
Sorry…probably my fault….
I can be very sarcastic when I feel helpless and cornerd…Its my way of dealing with things that are out of my control…
Feel Ive done my best with Save Derby Playhouse…
Done all we were asked to do and more beside, but thats it for me..I dont need the hassle..
Hope you carry on to the bitter end and wish you well..
It was good getting to know you if only through lots of comments ! Love Joyce XX
March 11th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Joyce- please explain!
Don’t be put off. The web editor Andy Darlington at the DET is actually
really friendly and helpful- if he is the person you were dealing with.
We need your input- you’ve been an incredibly loyal supporter.
You may have made a slip up in your comments somewhere,
but in the heat of the moment we all do that. Your support for DPH really means a lot, and I would hate not hearing from you!
I did try to look you up on facebook- but the system doesn’t register
“Joyce Kinton” which I’ve typed in. Maybe it would be an idea to log in again with a friend who can help?
If you don’t write in to DET, could you at least
keep in touch via this site?
Hang in there Joyce!
Love, Jo XXX
March 12th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Hiya Jo, thanks for once again building me up when I fall !
I dont want to seem uncaring for the lovley Playhouse…
though it has bought a lot of bad feeling especialy on the DET site….
SO after sleeping on it I do intend to keep supporting the Playhouse via this site…..
I cant just turn my back on such a beautiful place and the joy its bought to me in the 2 year period I was a volunteer there..
The person Im dealing with doesnt have a pc so I should be ok with this site…
I will keep checking the DET to see if theres any movement at all……just not putting how I feel there anymore…
If you hear some news Jo will you keep me updated…
Its odd cos I cant find you on face book either !!
Maybe someones trying to keep us apart !
I’ll keep trying to get you on face book, and please dont give up on trying to find me !!!
Again, thanks so much for giving me the assurance Im not upsetting anyone.. Lots of Love, Joyce XXXX
March 12th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Glad to hear this Joyce.But don’t understand what happened re the DET site.
Maybe you could find me on facebook by looking up one of the groups I belong to- eg “Fan of Derby Playhouse”- which I think describes us well!
I’m on the site as Jo Ferenczi.
Good luck and keep in touch!
love, Jo X
March 14th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
HI Jo, cant find you again on Face book !!!! gggrrrr…
Can you mail me then I’ll make sure I know where you are !
see you there…Love Joyce xxxxxxxxxxxx
March 19th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
The action against the ACE claim went to court today. As we expected, the District Judge has ordered that the case be transferred to the Companies Court in London. This is a good thing as it will ensure a better ‘quality’ of judgement.
Now that the case has gone to court the matter is sub-judice which means I will have to be very careful about what (if anything) I can say in public.
March 20th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Thanks for letting us know Kit- and good luck to all.
I’ve discovered that some of those anti DPH bloggers are reading this site , and no doubt looking for amunition!
If you can all stomach it - please do keep an eye on the DET comments pages- you’d be amazed how determined a regular band of “antis”
are, and presenting their views as “facts!”
The show’s not over yet!!!!
Jo.
March 21st, 2008 at 11:00 pm
See this weeks edition of “Private Eye”, Page 13
March 27th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Kit- give us a clue!
I haven’t been able to get a copy.
Jo
March 28th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Kit-
PRICELESS!
I’ve just read.The article sums up 100% this process.
It would be comedic if not such a tragedy….
I wish it were possible to have this printed in the DET-
but it might spark off a war!
Jo X
March 28th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I’ve just heard the news of “demolition” of Hippodrome- shocking.
It’s on the DET headlines, with footage.
There can’t be a cover up this time!
So much for Derby’s theatre heritage…..