“Right then Alf, we shall wait to see what the independent governmen ombudsmen and police have to say then, in response to evidence?
It doesn't matter who's got all the money and power- it's the weight of factual evidence that counts in the end.....
The Playhouse may have been lost forever, but the people involved haven't lost their integrity.”

“Purely retorical comments.”

“Alf, I can assure you my comments are not unfounded.
At present there is an independent investigation of all these processes, as reported by the Board in the Derby Playhouse newsletter.It will take time for the outcome.If you want to ask specific queries- members of the Board are contactable via Save Derby Playhouse on facebook.
I have already stated my view is an audience member/observer- so I'd suggest it would be appropriate for you to approach
Anne and Jonathan Powers.”

“Joanne just how much more help did you want DCC and ACE to give. Clearly you are talking money. ACE had already put in over £1million in stabilisation funds, the theatre was in debt to the tune of £1.2 million, not my figures the Administrator's.

Whilst I have sympathy for DPL they had a major problem that neither the Arts Council or City Council could reasonably have been expected to resolve.

The Playhouse in the form both you and I wanted has been lost. There is no going back.

Can you tell us all how much was eventually obtained for the lease? What if any programme DPL will be able to put on and where? Even if the Ombudsman finds in favour of DPL what will it achieve?

Finally, chronic underfunding is a strong term. I would suggest that the reality is that that DPL wanted more than they got, they always did, that is not chronic under funding. There is nothing wrong with ambition but if you fail to work within the budget you have it is not the Council or Arts Council that is at fault.

Those taking the business decisions within DPL had a responsibility which can not be passed to DCC or ACE.”

“Thankyou James.
I think we have to look back and remember the process since Nov'07 to understand how things have transpired to this point.
It is my belief as an observer, that had DCC and AC been more supportive, and perhaps working as partners with DPH following the Westfields rebuild, a more constructive and respectful process might have been possible, instead of what appeared to have been a "battle for control" of the building, and the artistic programming.
I'm sure there are different views on these events- and none of us know all the details, especially as we are only aware of what is in the public domain.(Regarding dialogue with the Arts Council- how could this have been acheived- and was there a public forum to do so?)
I did read the plans for Derby LIVE- and have feedback from people who've been to some of the shows.My general impression is that the "community theatre" element is particularly excellent. But many of us genuinely believe this would not have been equivalent to the scope and scale of professional producing theatre, and with all the craft involved, to what existed at the Playhouse for decades.
Much as I love being a participant of community theatre, and fully support amateur work also, I see these genres as supplementary to a substantial core of professionally producing theatre- which I feel is what attracts the wider audiences also.
So although as yet unknown, and with mixed feelings, we await the plans of a new era under Derby Uni. I realise the Playhouse will never be the same again- and perhaps most of all this boils down to a history of chronic underfunding and politics. That's very sad; theatre should be an art form that is inspirational to the people- and I feel this process has been so damaging.
It's not so much huge optimism James, as perhaps pragmatism, and some hope that there is potential for different genres and groups to work together, whilst maintaining a "core" of professionally produced theatre that will bring back the audiences, and we can all enjoy.”

“Thanks for this, Joanne. I note that your contact was at the beginning of the process when all of this first happened. It made sense for them to want to regroup in the face of such negative public opinion. They needed to put together a plan of action which was sustainable. The last 6-8 months was the crucial time to talk to them, particularly in light of the creditors' vote.

The fact remains that the Arts Council and Derby City Council have always and will continue to support produced theatre in Derby.

I wish I shared your optimism about the future. Derby Live provided the only viable future for produced theatre in the long-term. I feel quite strongly now that it will be lost at least in the short to medium term. This is very sad particularly since there was another alternative but I just can't see how produced theatre will be a priority for the university moving forward.

I hope that you continue to support the Derby arts scene so passionately.”

“James,
I have just posted a detailed reply, which has disappeared off the screen- and now have little time.
Briefly then, just to add that yes, I did email the AC and DCC at the beginning of the process of the closure, and I received a "standard" reply, which did not answer my specific questions.I have spoken to some who have said they have tried to contact for the "umpteenth" time with specific queries, but no replies.
Conversely, it seems to me there have been regular updates and press releases from the Board of Derby Playhouse, and Jonathan Powers- in attempt to inform the public.(But also much sensitive information I would guess.)
None of us know the full "facts"- and I guess that is what being investigated by the government ombudsman.
I think it's fair enough to state one's opinion on what is known in the public domain?
Anyway- good luck James, and hopefully we might have a decent theatre to return to in the autumn- although so sadly, will never be the same.
PS- please check out Save Derby Playhouse on facebook for updates, and a global community of supporters.”

“Hi Joanne. Many thanks for the response. To answer your question, I work in business and am an arts consumer. I live in Derby but travel across the East Midlands and beyond to enjoy theatre, music, comedy and more. I have no involvement with the Arts Council, Derby Live or Derby City Council.

You have had no conversations with anyone at the Arts Council, Derby Live or Derby City Council then. That strikes me as most bizarre given the fact that you draw our attention to confusion and complain about the lack of transparency. Surely if you are aware of this it's all the more important for you to seek out answers. The only way to get these is by speaking to both sides. I would actually say that if you had done this an objective conclusion could have been drawn quite easily once the dust had settled.

You have spoken valiantly and admirably about fairness, justice and accountability. I fail to understand why you have made no effort to speak to those that you protest against since it certainly undermines your arguments about fair-handedness.”

“Hi James,
I acknowledge your interpretation of the situation, although I'm not aware of your position or involvement? May I ask if you are involved with DCC ,Derby LIVE or AC?
My views are not just based on what I've read; I've also attended regular meetings held by the DPH Board, and spoken to many over the past 18 months who have been directly involved, and on the receiving end of decisions made.Yes- I'm aware there are split opnions also- but perhaps a lot of confusion too.
I think it is not possible for any of us to judge totally objectively, without all the "facts" of the events.This has not appeared to have been a transparent process all along- so we can only observe and draw conclusions from our own experience and perspective.
However, I do trust the members of Derby Playhouse Board, as advocates of the theatre, and who have had long standing involvement and expertise over many years.
I understand an investigation of complaints is being made, and substantial evidence- of which none of us know the content, other than what has been discussed in public. I hope that some of the issues can be addressed in time.
Meanwhile, I agree, out of all of this, what we have all lost is a big chunk of producing theatre, possibly for the sake of politics- which could have been avoided.”

“Hi Joanne. Thanks for swift response, and I hope that you get to where you need to be in time!

A few more issues then: you've just really repeated the points that you've made elsewhere if I understand correctly. As Mr Fullerton sayid, it's not likely to revise anyone's perception. I would just like to reiterate the fact that there has been no change with regards to funding. There is and never has been a plan to reduce produced theatre. The only change was the fact that the City Council and Arts Council have refused to fund the recent incumbents of the building. Produced theatre looks to have now been reduced as a result of the building being leased to the University. Not a positive result as Mr Fullerton says.

Secondly, I understand that you have been involved in the Playhouse as an audience member. Your passion and drive is incredible, and I feel fortunate to live in a city where people are so very passionate about the arts. I would say though that I too have enjoyed many productions over the years as have many other people. These folk have been involved at an equally deep level and they have revised their opinion of the situation over the last year or so. They have taken the opportunity to genuinely look at both sides of the argument, and I would like to ask whether you have spoken with anyone at the Arts Council and Derby City Council about this? There's an old adage that one should never believe what is written in the papers. It appears that a lack of objectivity has certainly been a factor in leading us to the position we are now in.”