Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were received.

No apologies for absence were received.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Community, Customer and Organisational Scrutiny Committee held on 2 July, 2020.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Community, Customer and Organisational Scrutiny Committee held on 2 July, 2020 were presented.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

5.05 pm – Report of Executive Director attached.

RESOLVED -

That consideration of this item be deferred and that the Committee be reconvened at the earliest opportunity to enable its consideration.

5.50 pm – Report of Arts and Venues Manager attached.

The Arts and Venues Manager submitted a report outlining the current position in respect of the reopening of the Pomegranate Theatre (from 24 July, 2020), the Winding Wheel Theatre (from 1 September, 2020) and Hasland Village Hall and the Assembly Rooms as venues for hire (from October).

The report explained the measures in place to ensure that the theatres and venues operated in a Covid-secure way with appropriate social distancing. Some similar sized local authority operated or funded venues had reopened on a similar basis, with films and screenings and plans for limited live performances, although some other local venues currently remained closed.

An application had been submitted to the Arts Council for a grant from the Cultural Recovery Fund to support the work of the theatres from October, 2020 to March, 2021, and it was planned to continue to engage with promoters and customers to provide a programme of events and to generate demand for these as far as possible.

Arising from Members’ questions and discussion, the following points were raised:

·     Customer details were maintained for test and trace purposes in accordance with government regulations for those booking for theatre events and for those hiring venues;

·     Options for the Christmas pantomime were being discussed with the promoter, taking account of the latest advice from the UK Theatres Association;

·     There had been a positive response from customers attending and booking for the Pomegranate Theatre since its reopening, with the potential positive impact on wellbeing, especially as surrounding local theatres had remained closed;

·     Alternative means of delivery, such as open-air performances or drive-in films, had not currently been pursued due to the significant additional costs which would be involved;

·     The upcoming theatre shows were arranged to be performed in accordance with government guidelines for performing arts, e.g. by  performers who were spouses or in a support bubble or with social distancing. 

Members expressed their appreciation of the work undertaken to reopen the theatres and venues and to continue to provide a programme of events. The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy and the Arts and Venues Manager for their contribution to the meeting.

RESOLVED –

That the work to reopen the theatres and venues and to continue to provide a programme of events be supported.