Beck Theatre saved from closure after council deal

The Beck Theatre had been due to close in January

A west London theatre that was set to close in the new year has been saved following a deal with the council.

Hillingdon Council has announced a 15-year deal with new operators of the Beck Theatre, Parkwood Theatres, with the option to extend the deal by 10 years.

The theatre in Hayes had been due to close in January following a row between the former operator, Trafalgar Entertainment, and the council over subsidies and costs.

The deal was struck after the council brought in specialist consultants, Blue Horizon, to source a new operator and avoid a period of closure for the theatre.

Jonathan Haynes, a "Back the Beck" campaigner, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) this was the '"best Christmas present" anyone could have asked for.

Jonathan Haynes says the campaign to save the theatre "has really invigorated the borough"

He said: "I'm delighted. We've been very nervous for the last few weeks because the council had gone quiet on the communications front.

"But we were hopeful, and campaigned intensely. You can't put it into words. The campaign has really invigorated the borough and shown the council that people can't be pushed around.

"I think there is no better news."

Locals have campaigned to keep the theatre in business

The Beck Theatre is expected to move over to the control of Parkwood Theatres in mid-January.

Council leader Ian Edwards said they aimed to maintain the theatre while delivering value for money for residents.

Tony Doherty, managing director of Parkwood Theatres, said he was "delighted" to be securing a long-term future for the theatre while "bringing fresh and exciting opportunities to the stage"