Jonathan Powers - DET Letter
The New board of the Derby Playhouse have kindly forwarded the full letter to the editor of the Derby evening Telegraph from Jonathan Powers as published in the Telegraphs 26th April 2008 edition.
Dear Editor
The new Trustees of Derby Playhouse have a duty to rescue the company if they can and also to do their best for the creditors. We do not have the right to walk away.
We are firmly of the view that the costly disaster we inherited could easily have been avoided. After the theatre was put into administration, Stephen Edwards’ heroic intervention to rescue the Christmas Show (supported by members of the general public) gave us the chance to create a plan which would have kept things running without a break. But further obstacles were thrown in our path. We are now finally on the verge of surmounting them, but no-one should be under any illusion about the damage or the cost. Stephen Edwards has taken the action at his own expense against the Arts Council on behalf of the Board and Members, because the action could only be taken by an individual creditor. To suggest that he is preventing theatre happening in Derby is absurd. While we resist the temptation to accuse anyone of trying to “obstruct” our efforts, we must make it clear that we do not wish to obstruct anyone else who shares our passion for live theatre in the City.
Derby Playhouse Ltd is a registered charity which owns a 94 year lease on the building. We want to see things back in action as quickly as possible – provided that everything is done on a sound business footing. We have commissioned the Christmas Show and we are planning a Diamond Jubilee Gala for 1st November to celebrate 60 years since the opening of the Derby Little Theatre in Becket Street in 1948.
We are delighted to learn that Derby LIVE has made progress with its plans, and we would be very happy to talk with them if they wish to hire either of the auditoria – the contracts will be detailed and transparent.
We give the same invitation to the amateur companies, who have expressed an interest in using the Playhouse.
Because of what has happened we cannot now reinstate everything we had before: we have to begin again from our beginnings – volunteers, amateurs and professionals working without public subsidy. The successors of the original Derby Little Theatre Club set up a “Derby New Theatre Trust”. It was their passion that created Derby Playhouse, and it is for them as well as today’s theatre-goers that the current Board and Members hold its assets in trust.
Make no mistake, in the new mix we are planning we will get outstanding professional produced theatre back on stage.
We know Derby demands it !
Jonathan Powers
(Chairman)
May 8th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Hi everyone. Just a quick message to ask if you could keep a close eye on the Derby Telegraph blogging sites and letters page.
I think it is possible there is a concerted effort to promote Derby Live,
and making derogatory remarks about the Playhouse recovery plan.
I’m wondering where this is all emanating from?!!!
It seems that the “dirty tricks” campaign hasn’t stopped.
I believe the public are being misled by these letters and blogs.
Please do write in if you can, and continue to support our Playhouse!
May 8th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Hi Jo I think you are right in what you say twice now letters have been in DET which for some reason could not be replyed to, sorry I missed todays blog was out all day and it had closed before I knew anything was in the paper.But thanks for being there and giving them what for Barb x
May 8th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Hi Barbara-
Thanks for your support too.
Did you work at the Playhouse- or are you an audience member like me?
I feel so gutted by this whole process- I believe it was all so unnecessary,
and “issues” could have been dealt with so much better.
I guess it’s all down to power and politics in the end.
Hang in there!
Jo x
May 9th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Hi Jo, I was a customer service manager front of house,so I know what effect the Westfield build had on the playhouse, but the show must go on and this was down to the staff and volunteers at that time, you would not believe what we had to put up with.Yes you are right it all should not have happend the way it did. but its down to audience members like you which makes this fight all worth while, the power and the politics may like to kick a dog when its down but its not all over yet, I know it would have been the easy thing for the management and new board to just walk away they had lost just about everything but the very fact they are still hanging in there is a victory in its self. it will be hard for the board to get the playhouse back off its knees after all its the DCC who have all the money now, but if its at all possible I know the board will do it, whatever happens it will go down in history and what a great play it would make.you can find me on facebook Jo if you want to keep in touch take care Barb x x
May 9th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Thanks so much again Barbara.
I have had no doubts about defending the Playhouse
in the DET and elsewhere.
I have been a theatregoer all my life ,including in Essex,
London and Nottingham.
The productions at Derby Playhouse over the last 15 years
my family have attended were the best and most memorable ever.
In my opinion,Derby has been incredibly lucky to have had such a wonderful theatre,and I believe the local following and support
is unique and very moving.
I just wish people didn’t give in so easily by assuming it was all over.
I hope the public rally ’round now- and give one last big push….
Good on you Barbara, for voicing your support and hanging in there.
Yes, I am on facebook, but leaving soon- as I’m very busy with studying.
But I’ll try and link up with you first- so we have each other’s contact details?
Bye for now- and keep those DET comments coming please!!!
Jo X