On the morning of 20th November, a constructive meeting was held at the Beck Theatre with theatre consultants Blue Horizon and several potential operators who have expressed interest in taking over the venue from January.
 
In attendance were Cllr Jonathan Bianco (Deputy Leader of the Council) and Council Officers Karrie Whelan and James Raven.
 
It’s encouraging to see such strong interest from multiple theatre operators. They recognise the Beck Theatre’s significance not only as a key venue on the UK touring circuit but also as an essential part of our local community, enriching lives and providing a vibrant cultural offering. Representatives from six organisations had the opportunity this morning to explore the venue, participate in a site tour, and engage in meaningful discussions about what needs to happen over the next 6–8 weeks.
 
These interested operators now have until Monday 25th November to submit their proposals to Blue Horizon. Following this, Blue Horizon will make their recommendation to LBH for final consideration.
 
We are optimistic that at least one of these proposals will meet the criteria, paving the way for a seamless transition to a new operator after Trafalgar’s departure on 13th January.
 
We fought this campaign from day one with the sole objective to save the Beck Theatre and ensure it remains part of the community for the long term. We feel today we are a step closer. There is still a long way to go, but Julian Russell and the team at Blue Horizon are incredibly optimistic. We will support them along with LBH to get a deal over the line and preserve the Beck Theatre on its current site for future generations. Of course, we will continue to hold them to account and be the voice of the community to ensure that the present Creative Learning offer that the Beck Theatre provides is maintained, and that any future operator will run the Beck with the community at the heart of what it does.

We will update you early next week with more information as we receive it.

What are we losing?

At a time when the arts is on its knees, when we are faced with division and derision across the country, venues like the Beck are bringing communities together. They help to create friendships, offer a wealth of extra curricular activities and grow that spirit of togetherness, of belonging. We simply cannot afford to lose these bedrocks of our community that create a safe space for people where concerns around mental health and wellbeing are at an all time high.

Around 100,000 people visit the Beck Theatre each year, and the Summer Youth Project has run since 1987, with the Beck Youth Theatre also existing for a similar time. Over the last 38 years these groups have educated and trained 1000’s of young people - of which many 100’s have gone on to work successfully in the Arts.

The venue contributes nearly £3m to the local area by way of economic impact. A show that was developed at the Beck (Jamaica Love) and sold out in the West End has been nominated for 2 x Black British Theatre Awards.

As it stands, this venue is due to close which means there would be no professional mid scale theatre in West London between Hammersmith and High Wycombe, and no home to the countless dance schools, youth groups and choirs that use the same stage to perform and enrich their lives.

According to the Ministry of Justice, Arts and Culture make us safer. According to the World Health Organisation, Arts and Culture makes us healthier. By employing local people and bringing people to Hayes, Arts and Culture also makes us richer. 

Safer. Healthier. Richer.

That is what Hillingdon is choosing to take away from people.