| Angus Council has put two modernisation options out to public consultation but theatre users, led by Abbey Music proprietor and concert promoter Terry Wood, have claimed the proposed reduction in seating capacity in both scenarios could result in the theatre becoming economically unviable.
Councillors Peter Nield and Dick and Jennifer Speirs, along with Independent Councillor Bob Spink, were amongst around 50 people who attended a meeting called by Mr Wood at the Meadowbank Inn, where theatre users expressed concerns about the plans.
Speaking on behalf of the Arbroath Lib-Dem members, Mrs Speirs said today, “In response to last night’s meeting and the views expressed, we have now written to Norman Atkinson, Angus Council’s head of cultural services, urging him to meet with the users of the Webster Theatre to find a way of maintaining seating at the 600 mark when the theatre is refurbished.
“The two alternative plans currently under consideration would both see a considerable reduction in seating, which would make some shows unviable.
“The theatre users who spoke at the meeting were united in their opposition to a reduction in the number of seats and made it quite clear that the seating arrangement proposed in both the options put forward by the council must be rejected.
“Shows such as the Minstrels need the current capacity to satisfy demand and many of the commercial shows put on by Mr Wood would run at a loss if a third of the seats were done away with.
“Everyone is desperate to see the theatre refurbished, with improved facilities for the performers, new seats for the audience and better access for people with disabilities, but axing so many seats could well see several shows being lost.
“I hope the theatre users and the council can get together soon to find a way round the seating problem so refurbishment can go ahead with everyone’s backing.”
In their letter to Mr Atkinson, the Lib-Dem members state, “Everyone (at the users’ meeting) agreed the reduction in seating from 606 to 405 in Option A and 483 in Option B was unacceptable.
“It has also been argued that existing sight lines are below standard, but the users’ group say that they have had no complaints about sight lines from their patrons.
“It was agreed that the absence of handrails and the narrow stairs in the existing balcony are a potential hazard, but it was pointed out that this could be overcome by moving the stairs to the walls, making the stairs wider and fixing rails to the walls.
“Alternatively, wider stairs could be provided where they are at present and individual handrails fitted to the ends of each row of seating.
“Doubts were also expressed about the need for an enlarged foyer and proposed changes to make the theatre suitable for use as a cinema.
“Otherwise, the proposed improvement to facilities for performers, the installation of a stage lift and the provision of a lift to make access to the Assembly Room easier all appeared to be acceptable to the theatre users.”
The councillors’ letter concludes that, unless some way is found to maintain the existing capacity, “some users may be forced to find alternative venues for their shows and the theatre may, as someone said recently, become a white elephant”. |
