Theatre programme still awaiting decision
The Open Air Theatre in Scarborough
n THE Open Air Theatre’s fortunes have been mixed since the start. Elton John’s concert sold out an increased capacity of 8,500 seats.
UNCERTAINTY still surrounds plans for this year’s summer season at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre.
The venue’s operator Apollo Leisure was due to make an announcement yesterday giving details of forthcoming events.
But the announcement was cancelled, leading to growing public concern about the £3.5 million venue.
Cllr David Jeffels, portfolio holder for tourism and culture, said: “It is extremely disappointing that we’re now into February with still no programme announced.
“The council and tourist industry in general is obviously very anxious that Apollo come forward with an attractive programme of entertainment for the Open Air Theatre, both for its long-term reputation and that of Scarborough as a premier resort.
“The ball is very much in Apollo’s court.”
Scarborough’s MP Robert Goodwill has also voiced his concerns on the issue.
He said: “It’s hard not to conclude that they don’t have any headline acts to put on. Why else wouldn’t they announce it?
“It doesn’t sound very encouraging and I’m very disappointed indeed.”
Mr Goodwill added: “Apollo and the council need to stop blaming each other and work together.
“Let’s hope we get some groups signing on the dotted line.”
Evening News readers have also been making their voices heard by leaving comments about the story on our website.
Throxenbylad said: “So who is bullying who here? Seems there’s a dispute about to happen, and if so there are no winners then. Both sides lose.”
Crossgates View posted the comment: “Could be just a timing issue, but it would be the decent thing for Apollo to give us a full true statement on what is happening.”
MrRealist said: “Inevitable, but a true shame nontheless. You snooze, you loose.”
Quakeroat commented: “The swimming pool was first in line for a replacement. Priorities have been given in the wrong area. Its a case of ‘karma’ I’m afraid.”
Petra said: “We booked in December to see Plan B in June and got the tickets through 3 weeks ago. The silence of those who from the start said it was a mistake to go ahead with this speaks volumes.”
Hopes were high for the theatre after it was officially opened by the Queen in May 2010.
Stars that have appeared to sell-out audiences since then have included Elton John, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Jose Carreras.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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Comments
There are 22 comments to this article
Page 1 of 2
Crossgates View
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 08:44 AMThursday 2 February !!! We are still waiting Apollo !!!!
geoff49
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 08:13 AMAn article elsewhere gives us details of the jazz festival. Programme completed, prices set (very fair I think), tickets available - all this done over eight months in advance. Then we have the OAT shambles - nothing with 10 weeks to go. The difference? The jazz people know what they're doing and town hall sleaze and brown envelopes are not involved.
spy
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 07:38 AMTony Peers - Sings Take That Tony Peers - Sings Britney A little bit of Las Vegas for Scarborough!
diapason
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 10:40 PMYet again Goodwill makes fatuous comments. If anyone ought to be able to get some sense out of his fellow Tory Fox, he should. Intead he just whines in his usual pathetic way, saying nothing, but still getting reported. Hey - I've just realised this is an anti-Goodwill campaign by SEN to show just how vacuous and useless he is. It must be.
YO YO Y
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 09:23 PMWhat makes all of this even more incredible is that Apollo Leisure, owned by errr Paul Greg, used to run the council owned Futurist Theatre in the mid nineties before selling the company to what became Clear Channel. It was Appollo that ran the Futurist into the state it was in before Barrie Stead took it over, along with a number of other venues around the country, and gave the Futurist the reputation with visiting shows that you wiped your feet on the way out. I know cos I toured several shows into the Futurist and also other Apollo venues in the same period. Why are the council so surprised with the quality of Apollo, or are they?
I read the news today, oh boy
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 06:46 PMWell, in amongst all the gloom and doom, both predictable and predicted, there may be some good news. Perhaps this will force SBC to abandon their usual policy of cronyism and get some professionals in to run the OAT? And I don't means Peers or Stead. A person or firm with a proven record of delivering both quantity and quality, and most important tied to a proper contractual arrangement based around results rather than empty promises and companies that appear and disappear with the season.
Mindy Mortal
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 06:12 PMThe good news is that Fox and his Chronies wont be able to boast that Scarborough has three succesful theaters as a feeble excuse to demolish the Futurist. All the more reason to Save our Futurist!
Mindy Mortal
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 06:09 PMComment removed by moderator
Patricia David
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 05:31 PM#7. We have told them "We told you so", both publicly in letters puiblished by SEN and privately to their faces in meetings, to which the public were able to attend, but have chosen not to. You do not think we were going to let this pass do you? Oh, and that includes the fact that the Spa Grand Hall has been proven not to work as a theatre.
SirChasm
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 03:50 PMDon't worry, all the Titanic tourists will come, plus those inspired by the Olympic (a sister ship of the Titanic oddly enough) Torch, oh and a ship that might sail by fleetingly, plus to view the statue of Sir Jim which seems to have dropped off the agenda, oh and dear old Freddy, the one positive in many not quite so positives.
Vausey!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 03:35 PMThe b&bs and hotels will just have to hope that all potential holiday makers are fans of Cricket, Orchestras, poor variety shows and park & ride schemes as yet again SBC have failed to deliver at any of its venues.
Tim Thorne
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 03:16 PMWhy would anyone be concerned about this? The Council Leader has openly stated the OAT was paid for by Benchmark and had nothing to do with public funds. Maybe Messers Goodwill and Jeffels have joined Councillor Broadbent in not believing Mr Fox's fairytale about the OAT having nothing to do with public funds?
Crossgates View
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 03:11 PMYesterday Apollo siad they had not released details of the program, which does exist, because of something they are waiting on from SBC. Well surely by today, SBC have contacted Apollo and asked what exactly the problem is, so it can be sorted out. Your comments please Cllr Jeffels !
markdrum
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 03:02 PMYorkshire Coast Radio says that the council will be complimenting the nothingness that is Apollo's summer line up with acts they have sourced themselves. They will be working with impressario's in order to secure some better bookings. I can't wait, this should be awesome. I wonder who they will get.
heavensentmum
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 01:59 PM'Surely those who said this was a bad idea from the start would be shouting 'told you so' loudly from the rooftops, rather than remaining quiet.' I can only speak for myself and I take no pleasure from the fact that it looks as though our fears are about to materialise. Some of us did say we hoped we were wrong.
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