Thousands fight for future of Rhyl Pavilion Theatre

Sep 24 2008 by David Rutland, Denbigh Visitor

COACHES packed with furious theatre-lovers descended on Ruthin yesterday determined to secure the future of Rhyl’s premier entertainment venue.

The Save the Theatre Action Group (STAG) presented over 22,000 signatures to Denbighshire County Council in protest against crippling budget cuts to the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.

Dave Simmons, chairman of the group, said: “This is the biggest petition ever presented to Denbighshire – more than a third of the county have signed it.

“We’re asking the councillors to stop being silly and not reduce the theatre’s budget any more before it gets to the stage where it’s no longer viable.

“Councillors are elected by the people to serve the people and the people are saying in a very loud voice that they don’t want theatre funding cut.

“If they don’t listen to the people’s voice then they shouldn’t be there.”

In January, the Visitor exclusively revealed how the Pavilion was facing closure if the council was to slash £50,000 from its annual £500,000 subsidy.

It received a stay of execution when cash was awarded from the LABGI fund designed to help businesses develop, but the future is still uncertain.

The 1,031 venue is still facing a £100,000 budget cut next year and the year after.

“Closing the Rhyl Pavilion would like be ripping the heart out of the town, the theatre is vital to the local community,” added Dave.

And it is not only the Rhyl theatre with its future is in jeopardy as Llangollen Theatre was also threatened with severe cuts last year.

The protestors chose the first full session of the county council to make their demonstration and hope that it will be noted.

“Closing the theatre would have a terrible effect on the local groups such as the Gay Harris Dancers, the Rhyl and District Amateur Operatic Society and schools,” said Dave.

“And it would have an impact on the rest of the town because when people come to Rhyl to see a show, they spend money in the town as well.”

david.rutland