Open air theatre in limbo
The Open Air Theatre yesterday 120507a
SCARBOROUGH’S Open Air Theatre is in limbo today after the announcement of its summer programme was cancelled and a bitter war of words broke out.
It had been expected that the details of events, originally due last November, would be made public today by the venue’s operator, Apollo Leisure.
But the announcement has been cancelled and the company’s chairman, Paul Gregg, laid the blame at the door of Scarborough Council.
The local authority responded by expressing “surprise” at the statement, and said it was still awaiting the Apollo programme for the 2012 season when it had expected details to be have been available much earlier.
It is understood that growing public concern over the lack of the announcement of a single act, just months before the £3.5 million venue reopens, has increased public pressure and led to a deepening rift between Apollo and the council.
Graham North, chairman of Scarborough Forum for Tourism, said: “It isn’t good enough. We are very disappointed that there isn’t a plan in place being advertised and promoted for the summer season.
“Whatever the issues between the council and Apollo, they have got to be resolved for the benefit of tourism in Scarborough.
“At other venues, they seem to have it sorted out months ago and they were advertising their events well before Christmas. We have been appealing to Apollo to tell us what is going on since the autumn.”
Mr North added: “There are artists out there who would come to Scarborough and sell 6,000 tickets.
“The Open Air Theatre is a great venue and people will come to the right events.”
Janet Deacon, area director for Welcome to Yorkshire, said the delays meant the venue had already “missed the boat” in terms of advertising and marketing in some publications.
She said: “When there’s a good programme we have got something to shout about and we’ll tell people what’s on offer in Scarborough.
“It’s sad that it’s not out but as soon as it is we will make sure that it’s marketed as quickly as possible.”
Mr Gregg said that he was “extremely disappointed” that the programme, which he claimed was ready to launch, had not been announced but said Apollo was “forced” by the council to delay the announcement.
He said he was waiting until he received the “appropriate assurances” and “support” from the council, but a spokesperson for Apollo refused to go into further details.
Mr Gregg added: “It is the intention of both Apollo Leisure and Ingenious Media to continue to programme a wide range of entertainment into the venue and we are committed to working closely with the local community to ensure the venue is accessible to everyone.”
David Archer, the council’s strategic director, said: “The council notes with some surprise the statement which has been issued by Apollo and awaits their draft programme for 2012’s events.”
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Friday 25 May 2012
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Comments
There are 30 comments to this article
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Leo Vine-Knight
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 10:52 PMYou can be pardoned for wondering if SBC is being targeted by every con artist the business world has to offer. Perhaps it's about time for councillors and town hall offcials to sit entrance examinations and intellignece tests before being admitted to their important decision-making positions. These people really are gullible beyond belief.
Masseeeeeeve
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 10:52 AMMay be Apollo trying for the Casino was just a stunt so they could sway attention from their inability to organise the p1ss up in the brewery that is the OAT that they are struggling with at the moment . Possibly they should just perfect this before turning their heads to other things. If they have this great programme for 2012 why not divulge it? If its that good then surely the council will want to be a part of it, and the public will back them in the "fight" for council approval. The Cinic in me says this list contains most Stock Aitken and Waterman acts that havent gone on to bigger and better things and a couple of people off X Factor and Britains Got Talent. Just a bit of truth from both sides would be nice.
Idon'tbelieveit!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 12:32 AMI, like many others I am sure, objected to the council borrowing £3.5 million on our behalf because I could see that this was going to be a huge white elephant. Why couldn't the well paid officers of the council and our elected councillors also see this or were they brainwashed? Did we ever get a single penny of that £3.5 million back? Soon there will only be a massive Tesco to entertain the fewer and fewer holiday makers that come here.
Mr Do!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 09:14 PMThe Cash Pool has gone rather murky for the Sharks.
tinpotgodslayer
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 08:34 PMAh it mat well come to light much quicker now, what shady dealings have been going on with the council and apollo, as stated already, no casino assurances (which is basically what apollo mean by assurances from SBC) no acts announced for 2012. Double bluff Mr Gregg has not paid off. And why is that, well, it is becsause the folk of this toen, you can see them in this thread alone and with lots more besides, knew just what your game and that of Mr Reduce and Benchmark really was. So the council having been sussed dare not do anything else than stop your little cosy game. Now lets see who comes out and admits the whole sordid saga and the details of the deals that have turned sour.
geoff49
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 06:45 PMNot holding my breath for cinema though.
geoff49
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 06:43 PM#23 You're quite right. Think I mis-read the article in my excitement! Looks like the casino will be extended and a multiplex cinema around North Street area. Nothing in the North Bay then.
heavensentmum
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 06:35 PM#22 That was for the right to run a casino on the Northside as part of the so called leisure facilities to support the Sands.
geoff49
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 06:26 PM#21 Don't know when apollo became involved but they gave up their bidding battle with the Shaws yesterday according to another article here.
heavensentmum
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 05:58 PMSince when were Apollo involved in the North Street plans?
heavensentmum
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 05:56 PMDoubtful very doubtful but it better be good when it is finally announced as most of the people I know who do the concert thing already have their year planned and tickets ordered.
guesticulate
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 05:36 PMThe problem with the open air theatre is that it does not have a roof and Scarborough does get some very rough weather. Who wants to get a good soaking watching girls aloud get drenched to the skin in their figure hugging clothing? Well.....I mean other than me?...LOL
noddyh
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 05:15 PMso it is ITS A KNOCKOUT DOWN THERE THIS YEAR,
YO YO Y
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 04:45 PMSome idiot throws a tin of paint on a statue and £2000 is raised as a reward to catch the culprits. Our council f**** up again and again, this time to the tune of £3 million and still nothing is done. Only with the OAT we know who in the council is responsible for this shameful waste of council tax payers money and the embarrasment this debacle brings on this town, a seaside resort with dwindling attractions, and yet they are still allowed to turn up for work. Hang your heads in shame you bunch of cluless morons.
butterfly2k2
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 04:33 PMHer is what they have said on their facebook page! .................................................................................................................... Scarborough Open Air Theatre Thank you to everyone for their feedback on the summer season of events at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre in 2011, we have read them all and taken on board everyone's opinion. We have been working really hard to create a programme for 2012 that will give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the theatre across a variety of events. We had planned on announcing the programme today but unfortunately, due to lack of support from the Council, are unable to do so. Until the Council clarifies its support we can not and will not release the confirmed programme for this year. We will announce our exciting programme for 2012 as soon as we get the assurances we need from the Council and we hope that you will all give the venue your full support.
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