Palace action

No wonder Newark’s Palace Theatre is in trouble. Because of the straitened times in which we live, footfall to the theatre has diminished.

So what will the people in charge do?

They propose cutting it back to opening only three days a week, and increasing hire charges and ticket prices.

That negative approach will deter more business and can only result finally in the theatre being shut altogether.

If the Palace is to remain a jewel in Newark’s crown there has to be a thorough management shake-up.

When the theatre box leases expired Advertiser management wrote twice to enquire about a re-let. Neither letter was answered.

There used to be a first class café upstairs. Why not reopen it and make it a leading eating place in town?

Children’s community theatre should be encouraged, not priced away from the premises.

The Punch and Judy room on the ground floor is under-used.

It should be marketed vigorously as a venue for fashion shows, wedding fairs, craft exhibitions, lectures, group meetings, jazz sessions, coffee mornings and all the rest.

Lower the prices to stimulate attendance and increase the facilities. Then the Palace will thrive.

Jacking up prices and shutting the place for half a week can only be a recipe for failure.

If the district council cannot see that they should sell the place to a buyer with some positive get-up-and-go.

A local community-based consortium might be waiting in the wings as happened when the Palace was bought from Star Cinemas by an ad-hoc committee of volunteers who transformed a bingo hall into a vibrant centre for entertainment.

Success now is possible if the right changes are implemented. Go for it.