Cheltenham backs Everyman Theatre grant bid
Taxpayers in Cheltenham have given a resounding vote of confidence to a scheme to pledge council money to help revamp The Everyman theatre.
The theatre has applied for a grant of £250,000 and a loan of £1 million towards its bill of £3 million to carry out a full restoration of the historic venue.
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The Everyman
Bosses at the theatre are hopeful the positive public response will persuade council bosses to grant the loan when they meet next week.
Everyman chief executive Geoffrey Rowe said: “We are all thrilled. This is a wonderful response from the public who clearly value the theatre and see that it needs to be restored.”
Cheltenham Borough Council invited comments from the public on The Everyman’s application as part of the budget consultation process.
In the survey, 964 of 997 who responded answered a specific question about the theatre.
Of these, 98 per cent – 948 people – gave their approval for the use of council funds.
A further 341 people contacted the council directly about The Everyman money and of these 333 were in favour of funding the theatre – again 98 per cent.
Mr Rowe said: “We get the occasional negative or even aggressive comment [but] it is clear those who attack the arts are in a very small minority.
“Given the opportunity and a worthy cause, the vast majority see our value and enjoy the experience of visiting the theatre.”
Cheltenham Borough Council will consider the loan and grant to the theatre at its full council meeting next Friday.
The restoration is due to be carried out in the summer of 2011 when the theatre will close for 17 weeks.
The work will involve a full restoration of the historic auditorium, with new seats and carpet, as well as the restoration of the plasterwork and paintings.
The foyer, toilets and catering areas will also be refurbished and refurnished.
The loan and grant for refurbishment is unconnected to the council considering a phased reduction in its annual grant to The Everyman. That issue will be debated by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday.
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by atleastgraspthefacts, Cheltenham
Monday, February 15 2010, 8:52AM
“1) Theatre is not elitist. You just choose whether you go or not. There are plenty of people who aren't 'rich' who go to the theatre. I earn £16,000 a year, but I go several times a year. I happen to enjoy it.
2) You can get a ticket for a show at the Everyman for less than the cost of a ticket to watch the Robins
3) Yes, the Everyman is subsidised to some extent by the council. But so is the leisure centre, library, art gallery etc etc etc. Should we close the leisure centre too? I don't think THAT is elitist”
by Pedantic Time waster, in a English Churchyard, possibly Stoke Poges
Sunday, February 07 2010, 4:48PM
“illeterate? Don't you have a spell checker then ,Tony, or are YOU illiterate? I'm presuming it's Tony, NOT tony (your Christian name should be capitalised, but you being so well educated know this already).”
by tony, cheltenham
Sunday, February 07 2010, 4:43PM
“I'm afraid the world cannot be run for illeterate philistines who think of culture as sitting with their beer and fags watching the Jeremy Kyle show. Just because you 'can't afford' to go to the theatre (only cigarettes, beer and Sky TV) does not mean that money can't be spent on people who love the theatre and a bit of culture, rather than those who would not have a clue what they were watching. The theatre in a town says a lot about how civilised a town is.”
by Jack, Cheltenham
Sunday, February 07 2010, 4:43PM
“Let's just hope that the relevant Councillors will see how these amazing poll figures were obtained. What about a re-run so we can all give our considered opinions?
While, like many others, I appreciate the facility of a theatre in the town I can't support spending taxpayers' money in this way at this particularly difficult time.”
by Observer, Cheltenham
Saturday, February 06 2010, 9:50PM
“Although I am very pleased that the Everyman has won the extra funding, I do not approve of its methods.
They say there are lies, damned lies and statistics and a survey of less than one thousand drawing 98% approval would draw the admiration of Nicolae Ceau¿escu or Robert Mugabe!
Mr Rowe said: ¿We get the occasional negative or even aggressive comment [but] it is clear those who attack the arts are in a very small minority. Are we surprised with a survey compiled like that?
For those old enough to remember the trial in 1963 of Stephen Ward involved in the Profumo affair and charged with living off immoral earnings Mandy Rice Davies was giving evidence when the prosecuting counsel pointed out that Lord Astor denied an affair or having even met her, she replied with the immortal words "Well he would, wouldn't he?".
I think Mandy hit the nail on the head Geoffrey Rowe don't you?”
by Wat Tyler, Smithfield
Saturday, February 06 2010, 9:45PM
“The sounds of rebellion are in the air, let's finish what was started a long time ago...”
by Alan Palmer, Cheltenham
Saturday, February 06 2010, 9:23PM
“Well said RIZLADOG. Nowt for Hesters Way who needs council help.
As you say, it's odd that LIBDEM Councillor Webster prefers to give millions to the Everyman yet does next to nothing for those on his patch in St Marks and Hesters Way.
Why do you reckon that is?”
by Colonel Willowby-Gore St. Johns, Wotton Lawn
Saturday, February 06 2010, 2:37PM
“Well said, RizlaDog!”
by RizlaDog, Lizzie Way
Saturday, February 06 2010, 1:56PM
“I realise my comment may draw criticism,but if the council have got So much money to give away frivolously,to apparently improve things,why dont they give the same amount of money to improve Coronationn Square?That certainly is in dire need of change.If it was improved,then the people who live round here,may feel better about the area,an start tackling the low life who ruin the area,But oh,I forgot,the Waitrose,m an s,and theatre going brigade dont frequent this area,cos they have money,we dont.Do something with neglected areas first,before you pander to the hoity toity brigade!”
by Alan, Cheltenham, Cheltenham
Saturday, February 06 2010, 8:00AM
“Sorry ME, I see it is your uncle who faces ruin and not your dad.
My sympathies. You will get none from this rotten borough.
Vote them out of office for this disgrace.”