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Search forCharity concert is forced to look for new venue after Playhouse closes again
Thursday, November 06, 2008, 07:30
Ken Taylor has run the Salvation Army's Carols for All performances at the theatre for the past five years.
The afternoon and evening productions raise money for the Mayor of Derby's chosen charities and were watched by 1,000 people last year.
But Mr Taylor has now been forced to look for a new venue after administrators Tenon Recovery told the Playhouse board that the building could not be used for Christmas productions while creditors weighed up rescue bids.
The Playhouse went into administration last winter amid financial difficulties and rows over management.
The festive programme also included Peter Pan, which was due to run between December 10 and January 9.
Mr Taylor said: "It is a disappointment because we have held the show at the venue for so long.
"Prior to the Playhouse, we had used the Assembly Rooms for about 25 years but we can't use it this year because of the pantomime.
"The size of the production makes it difficult to find a new venue because there are more than 100 people involved."
Last year's Christmas charity concert raised £3,000.
Mr Taylor, 59, of Leslie Close, Littleover, said a potential new venue had been identified but no details could be released at this stage.
The Playhouse reopened in September after people to whom the theatre owed money accepted a £300,000 financing deal from the new board, which has since failed.
The creditors are currently weighing up two rescue bids for the theatre.
Tenon Recovery called time on the festive season yesterday after Derby City Council revealed it was compiling a new £325,000 bid to buy the theatre's assets.
A rival bid from the Playhouse board was announced on Tuesday.
It has complained to Government ombudsmen, claiming the Arts Council acted beyond its powers in February by voting to liquidate the theatre and that the council prevented it staying open last November.
Board chairman Professor Jonathan Powers said creditors would share £500,000 if its bid was successful.
Keith Briars, the chairman of Derby New Theatre Association, which represents amateur groups in Derbyshire, said he backed the council's bid.
He said: "The council's plan seems to be the most sensible way forward.
"If it goes ahead, we have been promised that we can hold amateur productions at the venue."
Dillip Dattani, who is handling the case for Tenon, said: "Whoever comes up with the most deliverable solution, we will go with them."
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