Barking's Broadway Theatre faces closure

One of Theatreplan's buildings faces closure after the local authority announces proposals to cut all the funding to the 340-seat venue.  The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is currently considering a propsal to terminate its grant to the venue beyond April 1, 2012.  The theatre opened in 2004 and is the only facility of its kind in the borough.  It has already taken on a £100,000 cut to its £431,000 annual grant from the council in 2011/2012, with a further £65,000 saving planned for 2012/2013.

Despite putting forward proposals to completely cut the Broadway's funding, the  council's budget report states:  "This is the only venue of its type in the  borough and so it provides a unique offer.  It needs to be recognised that the provision of a professional and high-quality theatre is a important element of the plans by the council and its partners to regenerate the town centre and in economy."

There is an obligation on the local authority to keep the Broadway building operational, as it is used as the base of Barking and Dagenham College's performing arts department.  However, the Broadway's artistic director and chief executive Karena Johnson said  that all the professional work at the venue would be axed if the cut is pushed through.  The budget proposals are currently  being considered by councillors before the cabinet takes its final decision in the coming months.  In the meantime, Barking and Dagenham is inviting members of the public to comment on the proposals online or by attending certain council events.