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Roland Muldoon |
Former chief exec calls for debate on theatre closure
THE former chief executive of historic variety theatre, Hackney Empire, has slammed plans to close the venue and called for an open debate on the decision.
It was revealed last month that the Victorian venue, which has played host to Charlie Chaplin, WC Field and Stan Laurel, is to close for a nine-month “period of reflection” from February next year amid severe financial difficulties.
Now Roland Muldoon, who ran the Empire for 20 years from 1985 to 2005, has criticised the plans, which allegedly include the redundancy of head of programming Frank Sweeney.
He has called for an open discussion into the future of the 108-year-old music hall.
“The first step should be to hold an open meeting at the Empire,” he said.
“We would like to get people talking openly about this.
“We’re trying to force the issue so much to make sure they are forced to listen and take into account what we are saying.
“The fact is that the deficit has always been there, even when we ran the place. The fundamental problem is underfunding, as it isn’t subsidised enough.
“Only 13 per cent of its income is publicly funded while most similar venues receive way more than that.”
Widespread redundancies are expected next year with a skeleton staff kept on for youth work projects.
There has also been widespread concern that the closure will prevent the discovery of new talent.
Mr Muldoon said it was ironic that two events showcasing rising talent would be held on the last two days the Empire is open.
The last New Act of the Year competition will be held on January 30, and Play the Empire – a showcase of young talent from five London boroughs – will take place on January 31. |
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