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Amateur theatre group considers its future
ONE of Malvern's oldest and most celebrated amateur theatre groups may no longer be able to perform at Malvern Theatres due to constantly escalating costs'.
The large majority of the Malvern Light Opera Society's shows over its 65 year history have been staged at the theatre, including its production of Summer Holiday earlier this month.
However despite ticket prices being set at a new high of £16, that production recorded losses of £15,000, prompting discussion over future MLOS productions, and even the group itself.
Chairman Iain Sherriff said that whilst the group had received favourable rates from the theatre, they had increased to the point where they would have to pay the standard charge made to any visiting company by 2009.
An average of only 30 per cent of seats were sold for the latest production, and Mr Sherriff said the financial results made sorry reading'.
"We cannot say that this is just a result of the ticket cost increase, but whatever the reason, the outcome is that it appears an MLOS production at the theatre is no longer possible.
"Historically amateur companies being at the theatre has always been part of Malvern's cultural heritage but now it is just too expensive.
"I would not say that we are accepting, but we understand that the theatre needs to make as much profit as possible in order to survive."
Malvern Theatres chief executive Nic Lloyd said they had enjoyed a good relationship with MLOS for many years, and would be very sorry to see them go.
"MLOS always gets a very favourable deal from Malvern Theatres as we recognise the social value of community theatre," he said. "Because of this, MLOS is not charged the same rate as professional companies."
There is an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the future of MLOS on Wednesday, April 9.
One hope Mr Sherriff has is that the society may be able to find sponsorship or financial support from local businesses or arts charities.
"Without that external funding the society is facing a complete change, and a move to performing in much smaller village hall-type venues," he said. "Another option would just be to wind up the society, and while that is something we are very keen to avoid, it might just be a decision we have to take."
Anyone who may be able to help support MLOS can call Mr Sherriff on 01886 833253.
10:16am Thursday 27th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Steve Price, Malvern on 5:44pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I can only offer sympathy I am afraid, there is no reason for the Theatres to price out local arts groups, they just don't care and probably find it annoying having to cater for them and are glad when they disappear.
Hopefully one day we will have a change of management and business strategy that includes local groups. Until then its village halls and the youth centre for the local amateur arts.
Boooooooooo to Nic Lloyd and his cronies.
I can only offer sympathy I am afraid, there is no reason for the Theatres to price out local arts groups, they just don't care and probably find it annoying having to cater for them and are glad when they disappear.
Hopefully one day we will have a change of management and business strategy that includes local groups. Until then its village halls and the youth centre for the local amateur arts.
Boooooooooo to Nic Lloyd and his cronies.
Posted by: Katie, Worcester on 11:36am Fri 28 Mar 08
Why should amateur groups perform in professional venues anyway? MLOS obviously cannot fill an 800-seat auditorium, so surely it is better suited to a smaller venue. It cannot be enjoyable for the company to perform to an empty house.
Malvern Theatres shows it support for MLOS by offering them a generous deal, it is then up to the community to buy tickets, which they will only do if the shows are of a good standard. Perhaps it is time to concede that while amateur theatre is a positive thing, it should be kept in amateur venues, with ticket prices that reflect the quality of the performance.
Why should amateur groups perform in professional venues anyway? MLOS obviously cannot fill an 800-seat auditorium, so surely it is better suited to a smaller venue. It cannot be enjoyable for the company to perform to an empty house.
Malvern Theatres shows it support for MLOS by offering them a generous deal, it is then up to the community to buy tickets, which they will only do if the shows are of a good standard. Perhaps it is time to concede that while amateur theatre is a positive thing, it should be kept in amateur venues, with ticket prices that reflect the quality of the performance.
Posted by: Steve Price, Malvern on 12:07pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Katie[/bold] wrote:
Why should amateur groups perform in professional venues anyway? MLOS obviously cannot fill an 800-seat auditorium, so surely it is better suited to a smaller venue. It cannot be enjoyable for the company to perform to an empty house.
Malvern Theatres shows it support for MLOS by offering them a generous deal, it is then up to the community to buy tickets, which they will only do if the shows are of a good standard. Perhaps it is time to concede that while amateur theatre is a positive thing, it should be kept in amateur venues, with ticket prices that reflect the quality of the performance.[/quote] Nonsense, I remember seeing amateur opera productions at Malvern that have been packed, it is the prices that put punters off. It is obvious to all that the Theatres would much rather have people visit large productions by professional companies as it makes them look good.
Amateur groups can and do put on excellent productions and should be given the chance to use the facilities we have all paid for.
I am not a big fan of opera but have been in the past and enjoyed the night out but I would not pay 20 quid to see it, neither would a lot of folk so we and the groups HAVE been priced out and this is to the detriment of the local people and to the arts in general.
Maybe we should lobby the council for funding to either use the Theatres or have a venue that is decent and big enough to accommodate the local arts groups who have been shoved out.
Katie wrote:
Why should amateur groups perform in professional venues anyway? MLOS obviously cannot fill an 800-seat auditorium, so surely it is better suited to a smaller venue. It cannot be enjoyable for the company to perform to an empty house.
Malvern Theatres shows it support for MLOS by offering them a generous deal, it is then up to the community to buy tickets, which they will only do if the shows are of a good standard. Perhaps it is time to concede that while amateur theatre is a positive thing, it should be kept in amateur venues, with ticket prices that reflect the quality of the performance.
Nonsense, I remember seeing amateur opera productions at Malvern that have been packed, it is the prices that put punters off. It is obvious to all that the Theatres would much rather have people visit large productions by professional companies as it makes them look good.
Amateur groups can and do put on excellent productions and should be given the chance to use the facilities we have all paid for.
I am not a big fan of opera but have been in the past and enjoyed the night out but I would not pay 20 quid to see it, neither would a lot of folk so we and the groups HAVE been priced out and this is to the detriment of the local people and to the arts in general.
Maybe we should lobby the council for funding to either use the Theatres or have a venue that is decent and big enough to accommodate the local arts groups who have been shoved out.
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