The Beck Theatre in North West London is under threat of closure in the new year, following a funding dispute with the council.
The theatre in Hayes is operated by Trafalgar UK Theatres Ltd and the 15-year lease agreement with the London Borough of Hillingdon expired in July 2022, followed by a two-year extension as the council evaluated potential development opportunities.
However, though the council initially proposed a reduction in financial support, in April it withdrew the proposal entirely from its cabinet meeting, and asked Trafalgar Theatres to work out whether it could operate the venue without any council funding.
A spokesperson for Trafalgar Theatres said: “We’ve worked tirelessly with the London Borough of Hillingdon to find a viable way to continue our operation of The Beck Theatre.
“Regrettably, after more than two years of discussion, it has not been possible to find a way forward.
“During the final stages of what were intensive discussions, we offered a simple extension of our existing contract to the end of March 2025.
“This offer provided the London Borough of Hillingdon with a means to avoid the risk of closure, and gave them more time.
“We were informed last week that the London Borough of Hillingdon does not wish to activate that extension.”
In early October, Trafalgar Theatres announced its intention to leave The Beck Theatre at the end of its current contract.
Trafalgar Theatres currently pays no rent for the building, as the council subsidises its use and carries out essential repairs and maintenance.
Hillingdon Council said it no longer believes the subsidy to be appropriate, given current pressures on public finances and the fact that Trafalgar Theatres is owned by Trafalgar Entertainment Group Ltd, a profit-making company which pays out annual dividends.
The operator agreed to a three-year trial of running The Beck Theatre independently, in which the council would continue to be responsible for building maintenance.
It asked the council to consider further compensation too, including a subsidy and rolling break clauses in its contract, but the council did not believe this would ensure long-term stability for the venue.
Hillingdon Council has engaged consultants to help with either appointing a different theatre manager, or transitioning to direct council management of the theatre.
If no agreement is reached, The Beck Theatre is set to close its doors on Monday 13 January, 2025.
Margaret Muttitt, who retired from The Beck Theatre in March this year after a 36-year career in the box office, said: “It’s such a big part of the local community, it will be a really big mistake to let it go,”
“It was gifted to the community by Alfred Beck for the enjoyment of everyone, and there is nowhere else locally for groups to perform.
“It also means that older and less mobile people can enjoy top-class acts without having to travel very far.”
Hillingdon resident Shelleyanne Gray felt similarly.
She said: “I know some people with disabilities and elderly people who love going to see shows at The Beck, and can’t afford the West End prices or can’t get there.
“The council need to reconsider, and either sort it out with the operator or find a new operator now.
“This is people’s lifeline, people’s comfort, being there with friendly staff that help them.”
Around 100,000 people visit the The Beck Theatre every year, and it’s not just audiences that benefit from the space.
Groups such as the Hillingdon Theatre Dance Centre have been performing at the venue since it opened in 1977.
Principal Helen White said: “Thousands of dancers have made their performing debut at The Beck.
“Year after year at our shows, we see children’s eyes light up as they put on their costumes and perform in front of their audience.
“Their confidence grows, their ambitions increase and their love for theatre and the performing arts begins.
“The history, memories and potential at The Beck are essential, especially in an area with no other similar venues. The Beck is one of a kind and must be saved!”
The Back The Beck campaign is vouching for the theatre to run as a not-for-profit organisation, to be supported by grants and art funding with a commercial subsidiary to manage its food and beverage units.
The campaign staged a demonstration last Sunday outside Uxbridge Underground Station.
Councillor Ian Edwards, the Conservative leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “We recognise the valuable contributions our theatres make to our communities and are committed to retaining a strong community arts and culture offer.
“Council officers and elected councillors continue to work tirelessly to secure the venue’s long-term stability as a commercial theatre without financial subsidy from the taxpayer.”
The council added they will provide further updates in due course.
Image: Nigel Cox
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