Thanet District Council, with the close co-operation of the Theatre Royal Margate
On 23rd April 2012, the Board
of Trustees for Theatre Royal Margate Trust regretfully took the
decision to close its current operations following financial
difficulties.
Thanet
District Council and the Arts Council have supported the Theatre Royal,
Margate for many years. Following discussions with the Theatre Royal
Margate Trust, Thanet District Council has stepped in to support it
during this difficult time. The Council is now working closely with
Thanet Leisureforce, to ensure a seamless transfer of management in
order to continue to provide the existing and additional programme of
events for 2012/13.
Kent
County Council has also supported and funded the theatre for a number
of years, and intends to continue that support in 2012. Theatre Royal
Margate remains an important organisation in the regeneration plans for
Margate, and KCC is pleased to support Thanet District Council’s interim
management arrangements to keep the theatre open to the public.
Cllr
Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services said: "We were sad
to hear of the decision made by the Board of Trustees for Theatre Royal
Margate to cease its current operations. Thanet District Council has
always fully supported the Theatre Royal, a relationship we were
planning to continue. We
were informed of the financial challenges facing the Theatre's
operation and understand that the decision made by the Board of Trustees
was necessary. The Theatre Royal, Margate remains extremely important to us and the community in the plans for the regeneration of Margate , and we will continue to do all we can to safeguard its future."
Dr.
Mark Deller, Chairman of the Theatre Royal Trust said: “The trustees
are passing the operation of the Theatre Royal Margate, a jewel in
Thanet’s crown, over to the Council and then to Thanet Leisure Force in
good faith. We judge that the Council and its partners are the safest
place for this community asset to reside in the current turbulent
climate. We
trust that the Council and its partners will continue the development
of this wonderful Grade II* theatre in the best interests of the local
community and our national heritage.”
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