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‘This show’s not over yet’
Theatre museum threatened with closure wins more time as talks to save it go on
COVENT Garden’s Theatre Museum has been granted a stay of execution after months of campaigning to secure its future by The Stage newspaper and leading industry figures.
The board of trustees at the Victoria and Albert Museum, which controls funding for the Theatre Museum, has agreed to further investigate proposals arising from a recent consultation paper completed by concerned parties.
Campaigners had feared that the museum was set to lose its Covent Garden site, after two Heritage Lottery Fund bids for cash to redevelop the building had failed.
Following the trustees’ announcement, the neighbouring Royal Opera House’s plans for a partnership with the museum have emerged as the most likely way forward if it is to retain its Theatreland base.
A spokesperson for the V&A told The Stage: “Following a period of consultation, a number of proposals have emerged.
“These will now be explored in greater detail and the trustees will consider them again.
“The V&A and the Royal Opera House are in talks about a partnership to create a new education and display venue in Covent Garden centred on their joint collections and activities.”
Campaigners, Equity and the Save London’s Theatres Campaign (SLTC), have welcomed the V&A’s decision to suspend judgment on the museum’s future.
However, SLTC chairman John Levitt warned that he was concerned at the wording of the V&A statement.
He said: “What does ‘explore’ mean? We very much hope they will be communicating with groups and exchanging views with professionals and other groups.
“If the future of the museum is to be ensured, they really must talk to the people who have the direct experience and knowledge.”
Meanwhile, speaking to The Stage, Royal Opera House chief executive Tony Hall said he was “very optimistic” following the announcement.
He insisted that, if the Opera House’s plans to work with the Theatre Museum are to move ahead, it is crucial that it is a full partnership of all the performing arts and involves other industry bodies such as the Society of London Theatres (SOLT).
He added: “I think SOLT is absolutely key to making the project work. We are only interested in a full partnership between ourselves, the Theatre Museum and SOLT.”
The Royal Opera House board will meet this week to further discuss Mr Hall’s proposals. |
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