Theatres abrupt closure leaves furious co-producers in crisis.
In a shock move, the Bristol Old Vic has announced that it is to close for refurbishment on 1 August, citing essential structural work. Artistic Director Simon Reade is to leave, and up to 45 staff may face redundancy. The decision to go dark means that the theatre will now not be staging Rough Crossings, a co-production with other leading regional theatres who have reacted with a chorus of dismay to the news. Ian Brown, West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director and Chief Executive, said, It seems to us that the decision was made by the Old Vics board without looking at any of the consequences. Describing the decision to close as quixotic, Brown also voiced concern over the role of Arts Council England, which, despite providing £1.16m revenue funding for the organisation in 2007/08, claims to have had no involvement in the decision. Referring to the Rough Crossings production, he added, This has delayed our schedule, but well work together with the other theatres and sort it out. But no thanks to the board of Bristol Old Vic.
David Farr, former joint Artistic Director with Simon Reade at the Old Vic and now Artistic Director at the Lyric Hammersmith, which is also co-producing Rough Crossings, told ArtsProfessional that he was hugely disappointed that the theatre has chosen make this decision without warning. He said, They have cancelled an autumn programme rich in quality involving the likes of Headlong, Kneehigh and Lyric Hammersmith. Rough Crossings was already in a brochure and on sale. None of this instills in me any great confidence that the board have taken this significant decision with the assuredness and composure essential for a successful refurbishment to take place.
Clarie Middleton, Interim Administrative Director at the Old Vic, said that she understood why the other theatres were dismayed, and that it was clearly not desirable to have left their partners in the lurch. However, she added that the Old Vic understood its moral obligation to contribute its share of the productions finances. She added, Of course the board is also aware of the problems caused by redundancy and will do its best to mitigate these. Asked if the Bristol Old Vic would ever be opening its doors to the public again, she said, I think so, and when we do well be able move forward with renewed vigour. We see this as much of an opportunity as anything else. Middleton also insisted that the decision to close was taken entirely by the Board of the Bristol Old Vic, saying, Arts Council England had nothing to do with the decisions, and will continue to support us. An ACE spokesperson stated that it was not its role to make operational decisions about funded organisations, but responded to concerns over the Old Vics remaining budget allocation, saying: We would want existing revenue funds used to support an orderly closure. Beyond that, we have requested that the Bristol Old Vic board supplies a budget plan for the remainder of the current financial year, for our consideration. At time of going to press, Birmingham Rep was in conversation with the other co-producers of Rough Crossings, in an attempt to save the tour.