A ‘dedicated theatre space’ must remain whatever happens with Preston Guild Hall says the city’s musical comedy society.
Dozens of members of the Preston Musical Comedy Society (PMCS) are urging Preston City Council to ensure theatre is not forgotten amid any new or refurbished venue.
The Guild Hall complex alongside the Grand Hall currently includes the Charter Theatre which is the city’s largest theatre performance space – but is mothballed due to the structural issues with the roof of the venue.
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Vice chairman of PMCS, Liam Burns, told Blog Preston: “We feel it is essential that, even at this early stage, the role and importance of a dedicated theatre space is clearly recognised as part of that decision making process.
“From what we have seen so far in public discussions, there appears to be a strong emphasis on large scale concerts and comedy events within the Guild Hall’s main space. While we recognise the value of these events in attracting visitors and supporting the local economy, we are increasingly concerned that the importance of a dedicated theatre space, such as the Charter Theatre or a suitable modern replacement, may not be receiving the same level of attention.
“The potential loss of a dedicated theatre space in Preston would have a significant and lasting impact on the city. Theatre venues are not interchangeable with concert arenas. They are specifically designed to support drama, musical theatre, touring productions, dance, youth theatre and community performance.
“Without a suitable theatre space, many local organisations, including ours, would struggle to stage productions at the scale and quality that audiences in Preston have come to expect. In addition, theatre venues generate important economic benefits for the city.
“They bring audiences into Preston who support local restaurants, bars and shops, create employment opportunities both directly and indirectly, and contribute to the wider evening economy. Touring productions and large scale amateur shows alike attract visitors from outside the immediate area, helping to sustain local businesses and reinforce Preston’s reputation as a cultural destination.
“Beyond this, a theatre plays a vital role in nurturing local talent, providing opportunities for young performers, and maintaining a thriving grassroots arts scene. It also supports visiting productions, educational work and community engagement, all of which contribute to the cultural and economic life of the city.”
Mr Burns said they had been in contact with Preston City Council to raise their concerns about theatre being overlooked in any new venue proposals.
He said: “We would strongly welcome the opportunity for local performing arts organisations to be involved at an early stage in shaping the future of the venue, particularly in ensuring that any theatre space is properly designed to meet the needs of both community groups and professional productions.”
The PCMS were regulars at putting on shows at the Charter Theatre, and Mr Burns released a number of archive pictures of their performances over the years.
In March the city council said they would be spending the next 12 months considering whether repair, rebuild on the same site or rebuild elsewhere in the city would be the most viable solution – as well as exploring what funding could be accessed with initial estimates suggesting funds of between £60million-100million would be needed.
Our call for Preston to have a major venue once again – calling on the Secretary of State Lisa Nandy to pledge her support for a major cultural events venue in Preston – has nearly 3,000 signatures. With the PCMS one of many organisations, individuals and groups in the city to officially back the petition and encourage their members to sign it.
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