Amateur groups want theatre cash

If agreed, the move would mean part of the cash given to Derby Playhouse would be guaranteed to go to amateur groups.

Before it went into administration, the Playhouse had faced criticism for not making enough resources available to community theatre groups.

The city council will also be asked to consider turning the Hippodrome into a community theatre.

Managers at the Playhouse had been warned it was not meeting targets for working with amateur groups just days before it shut its doors due to financial problems.

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They said at the time that staffing problems had disrupted their community programme.

The theatre has reopened for a Christmas run but its future beyond January is unclear.

Now some councillors are looking to have a defined funding package for amateur groups.

Labour councillor Paul Bayliss said: "Part of the recommendation is not only the £45,000 but also to look at setting the steering group back up.

"Also to look at the Hippodrome and bringing that back into use because Derby is unique in that despite having well supported am drams, it is the only city out of Nottingham, Leicester and Derby that does not have its own community theatre."

Tony Jaggers from the Derby New Theatre Association said: "We are pleased the council has listened to us and recognised that amateur theatre in Derby is so important."

The council cabinet meets on Tuesday.

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