Agenda item

This report is to inform the Scrutiny Committee of the progress and performance of the York Theatre Royal under the current Service Level Agreement (SLA).

The Chief Executive of the York Citizens Theatre Trust attended the meeting to inform Members of the progress and performance of the York Theatre Royal under the current Service Level Agreement.

The Chief Executive informed Members that the Theatre:

·        had transferred from the ownership of City of York Council to the York Conservation Trust in January 2015.

·        had continued its work to develop designs and secure funding to enable the capital project to take place from end of March 2015, which included a commitment from York Conservation Trust to immediately invest funds to repair the roof and other fabric works.

·        had received further commitments from the York Conservation Trust for continued investment over the next 3-5 years to improve the buildings condition and enabling the Theatre Trust to develop new income streams and secure its financial stability.

·        would be closed from mid March till October 2015 with the Theatre reopening in December.

·        had negotiated a residency programme at the National Railway Museum (NRM) during the closure period.

·        had secured the Exceptional Award, 1 of only 5 in the Country, and additional funding through the National Arts Council who had recognised the exceptional activity between the Theatre and NRM.

·        had received a large number of attendances for all productions with the Pantomime reaching 49,000.

Members thanked the Chief Executive for her update and congratulated her on the work the Theatre had done with local schools and the opportunities they made available for young people.

In answer to Members questions it was confirmed that the Theatre:

·        had apprenticeships and school aged placements available and would always encourage learning within the organisation. 

·        paid their Internships/Apprenticeships but not school aged placements.

·        does not currently advertise York on the Railway Children advertisements in King Cross Station due to the current contract with the commercial producers but the Story Board in that station was still available which referenced York.

·        offered two adult acting classes every week, which were consistently oversubscribed.

·        had active friends and volunteer groups that worked in varies roles throughout the Theatre including archives and fundraising.

·        had over 250 community volunteers who were involved in the Big Community projects such as Blood and Chocolate and will be involved in this year’s production, In Fog and Falling Snow.

·        had two new groups available for children with learning difficulties making a total of 16 different youth group opportunities.

·        productions supplied by York Citizens Theatre Trust on the main stage always offered sign interpreted, audio-described and captioned performances.

·        could not supply sign interpreted performances for most productions that toured but would ensure that these plays were audio described.

·        refurbishments would transform the access to the building and the new lift, would allow for wheelchair users to reach the dress circle.

·        Front facing staff were not dementia trained but it would be considered in the future when all disability training was renewed.

Members thanked the Chief Executive for her report and were pleased that the Theatre had transferred to the York Conservation Trust. They agreed the investment would benefit the City and the Theatre.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

Reason: To fulfil the Council’s role under the Service Agreement.