COMPANY UPDATE

6 NOVEMBER 2008
WATFORD PALACE THEATRE

Like organisations all around the country, we are tightening our belts and reviewing every area of our business.  In the past couple of years we have had great success artistically, with growing audiences and critical recognition.  But the fact is that at present our overheads are not affordable.

We have recently developed a new strand of participatory and community work, in addition to our established work with young people in Watford and Hertfordshire, and we are building relationships with other local arts organisations as part of the Watford Borough Council’s cultural strategy.  Hitherto we have produced this work in addition to a year-round programme of professional work as a traditional repertory theatre.  But this is no longer sustainable.

So we have begun a thorough review of every aspect of our operation, looking to make ourselves leaner and more flexible, so that our structure better reflects  our current operational needs. 

The headline change is that from autumn 2009 we will be moving to a seasonal pattern of home-produced professional work, running from autumn to spring, with the theatre able to host more community events and commercial hires over the summer months.   Some permanent posts may become seasonal.   The company is formally consulting and working closely with those employees whose jobs may be at risk as a result of the situation.

We are about to open MILESTONES, the culminating performances of a year-long community project, and are currently in rehearsal for this year’s pantomime, DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT.  After the panto we will be producing our schools touring production of LYSISTRATA, opening here in February.  Then while we restructure the organisation we will be running a season of touring productions, children’s events and participatory workshops for the community, through to the summer. 

“In a people-based industry like the theatre, and at  a  company like the Palace, which has a very strong production team, and inspires enormous loyalty and affection in the staff, this is inevitably a very  challenging process for all of us.  But the hard economic realities mean that we have to take tough decisions in the short term in order to protect the long-term viability of this important and much loved institution, which is at the heart of Watford’s cultural life as well as playing a role on the national stage.   We will continue to produce and present quality theatre, as well as looking for new ways to connect with our audiences and our communities in the future.” Brigid Larmour (Artistic Director and Chief Executive)

Helen Lax, Director of Arts and Development, Arts Council England East said "Watford Palace is a key organization for ACE East, and successfully delivers on many of our regional priorities. We are now working closely with the Theatre's Board and senior team to ensure that the Palace establishes a new business model which enables it to flourish."

Cate Hall, Corporate Director, Watford Borough Council, said “Watford Palace Theatre has played a vital part in the cultural life of the town for 100 years, and recently has seen a resurgence in audiences and community activities.  Watford Borough Council has been delighted by these recent developments, but recognizes the business challenges faced by the Theatre.  We are keen to support the Palace’s Board and leadership team to ensure that a new business model is established, which secures the future of its programme for the people of Watford.”