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Sevenoaks District Council was recently informed of the Sevenoaks Playhouse Ltd's decision to close.
The Council is very disappointed to hear this sad news, especially after the Playhouse's board, management and staff put so much effort into its appeal to save the Playhouse.
The Council is vowing to do all it can to keep the facility open for the public and in the first instance it will use the coming weeks as an opportunity to better establish residents' views on local arts provision by running a consultation based in the building. At the same time, the Council is evaluating the immediate and longer-term management options.
If the Council were to opt for a long-term management arrangement, it is likely that the Council would have to go out to tender, although it has not ruled out re-opening the theatre under temporary management in the meantime.
Local people will be kept fully informed of the latest developments.
Cllr Felicity Broomby, the Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for the arts says: "We are bitterly disappointed that despite its best efforts, the Sevenoaks Playhouse has ceased to trade. However, we must now look to the future. We are committed to arts provision in the town and we will be looking at the situation as a matter of urgency."
END
Press release issued July 25th 2006
