Topic ID 5752
http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Hertfordshire/Hertford-Theatres-professional-panto-makes-35000-loss.htm I can't see the need for a professional pantomime if the HDOS one is successful.
Reply ID 79151
see my posts under new Hertford Theatre...
Reply ID 79153
quote:The District Council are trying to turn Hertford Theatre into a profit centre, even if this does mean going into direct competition with the community you're supposed to serve. In this particular instance I think they overreached themselves by going for a three week run. I also suspect they may have underestimated loyalty to the local offering.
Originally posted by Ewoowar
http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Hertfordshire/Hertford-Theatres-professional-panto-makes-35000-loss.htm I can't see the need for a professional pantomime if the HDOS one is successful.
Reply ID 79155
Interesting but after reading the Mercury piece it seems as though the professional panto is here to stay, I just hope they can accommodate the HDOS as well. I haven't been for a few years now but used to really enjoy taking the kids to the HDOS panto much more than the trips to Stevenage to see the overpaid soap stars trying to sing for their supper. The new theatre does seem to be getting good reviews and putting on some good shows which can only add to the entertainment scene for Hertford.
Reply ID 79164
I don't know how well the tickets sold, but I checked it out and thought it was way too expensive. My daughter is coming up 3 and LOVES 'princesses' but I didn't know how she would react to it, and wasn't prepared to risk £25 on something we might have only stayed half an hour for.
Reply ID 79166
quote:There are various arts groups in Hertford and the surrounding area; What the hell does "they may have underestimated loyalty to the local offering" mean? People take their choice. It is, after all, a Council Tax funded thing, which we all pay for even if we don't go. Hertford Theatre seems to be a fantastic venue, so many people that I have spoken to think it is superb. This is the usual story of bashing a project that has been completed and that was needed to be upgraded. Steve - you need to get get your facts right. Councils cover costs rather tightly, read the Guardian. SMT will tell you that. I think you will find that there is no profit made untoward unless it is to provide the public with heat, comfort and entertainment. Spurious comments like yours make my friend at a council-run theatre in Brighton rather angry.
Originally posted by Stevequote:The District Council are trying to turn Hertford Theatre into a profit centre, even if this does mean going into direct competition with the community you're supposed to serve. In this particular instance I think they overreached themselves by going for a three week run. I also suspect they may have underestimated loyalty to the local offering.
Originally posted by Ewoowar
http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Hertfordshire/Hertford-Theatres-professional-panto-makes-35000-loss.htm I can't see the need for a professional pantomime if the HDOS one is successful.
Reply ID 79214
I was really pleased to see HDOS do well and break even. I want people to use the theatre, but to make it viable it needs ALL groups, professional and community ones to use it to make the money spent out on the facility viable. I think you have to remember that for practically 30 years from 1977 when it opened, local groups have kept that ex- Castle Hall going, don't desert them now when they can bring a much-needed revenue stream into the place. Use the Hertford Theatre, I am and hope to use the cinema soon too... But lets also remember that as a taxpayer I would like see other groups (herts choral society, ware operatic etc, etc) continue to provide quality productions to their friends, families and fans.. Lets really get behind this venture and our local groups... [:D]