Agenda item

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support submitted a report on the annual performance of Hertford Theatre for the Financial Year 2012/13, the detail of which was set out in the report now submitted and Essential Reference Papers.

The Head of Communications, Engagement and Cultural Services welcomed what was another “good news” report on the theatre’s performance.  From a financial viewpoint, he stated that performance had been monitored against the business plan and the theatre was doing well and that Officers would report back next year on the tracked variances, but that this year, the Council would be liable for a backdated VAT liability relating to the café and bar.

Councillor R Beeching drew Members’ attention to ticket sales in relation to two different films and said that it would be helpful to see what the ticket sales were against how many showings, as this would give a more accurate figure.

Councillor M Wood congratulated the team on the progress they had made, adding that the theatre had achieved the right balance on all counts.  He felt that the projected figures for the forthcoming pantomime were encouraging and was also positive about the work with Hertford Regional College.  He sought further clarification on the theatre’s future governance arrangements.  In response to the governance issue, the Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support stated that it was necessary to ensure that the theatre had strong foundations first and that it might be possible to look at the issue of governance again next year, when matters were clearer.

Councillor C Rowley welcomed the use of the apprentice scheme.  The Director of Hertford Theatre explained that work experience at the theatre was offered as part of one Hertford Regional College’s courses and that the theatre was doing everything it could to work with the HRC.

In respect of a request by the Chairman, Hertford Theatre Officers each provided a summary of some of their memorable highlights in working for the theatre.

In response to a query on the issues of seating, it was stated that the Head of Communications, Engagement and Cultural Services had commissioned an independent technical assessment and would be undertaking a tender process to find out what needed to be done and this could then be considered by the Executive once costs were known.

In response to a query from Councillor C Rowley regarding attendances at the pantomime and the balance between live and film performances, Officers outlined the marketing strategy to encourage better attendances and explained that booking live acts needed at least six months to a year advance notice, but that film was more flexible. 

Members received the Annual Report on Hertford Theatre for the year 2012/13 and thanked the team as a whole, including the cohort of volunteers for their contribution to the success of the venue.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Annual Report on Hertford Theatre for the year 2012/13 be received; and

(B)  the team as a whole, be thanked, including the cohort of volunteers for their contribution to the success of the venue.