MANAGEMENT at a troubled theatre are hopeful it will be saved from closure.
Denbighshire County Council has said the current tenancy on The Little Theatre on Vale Road in Rhyl will end on December 1, which may bring the curtain down on the popular community theatre.
Predominantly providing acting and background opportunitie
s for children, the theatre has staged numerous community productions for the past 45 years but it has endured a difficult recent past. More than £30,000 was spent by campaigners to reopen the theatre two years ago but management face a fight to convince Denbighshire County Council they should retain the lease.
However, theatre secretary Neil Taylor is defiant the show will go on and is determined management and supporters do all they can to keep it alive.
He said: "Hopefully we should know in the next month to six weeks what is likely to happen. This will then lead to us deciding what action to take. If we are given indications the lease is being removed then we will do everything we can to fight for the future of this theatre. I would urge everyone to contact their MPs, AMs and Denbigh-shire county councillors to convince them of why The Little Theatre must continue. We will develop a high profile media campaign to help us."
The theatre has received a health and safety inspection from Denbighshire County Council, which said last month "discussions as to the future of the theatre can take place" only after the inspection was carried out as concerns were raised over the condition of the building.
Mr Taylor added: "We believe the inspection went well, with no health and safety concerns mentioned to us. The council has said discussions can take place once the inspection was carried out and we now hope to have positive discussions with the council. We are not here to produce star performers. We help youngsters grow in confidence to help them in their lives and we hope this is something the council appreciates."
Originally postponed last month amid the health and safety concerns, the theatre's latest production, Running Riot, is on tomorrow (Thursday) to Saturday at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01745 342229.
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