Issue - meetings

The Board received a presentation from the Brindley Arts and Events Manager, Tim Booth which outlined the recent successes and future priorities for the Theatre.

The presentation outlined the recent structural improvements to the building both externally and internally, and made reference to operational improvements such as staff restructure, new ticketing software and hardware and new website.  Mr Booth advised that the Theatre had undergone a rebranding of the name and logo, brochure format styles and advertising templates.

Members discussed the income generation aspect of the Theatre and welcomed the improvement in the finances so far for 2016-17.  The future priorities of the Brindley were also outlined in the presentation and the following was noted / clarified following Members’ queries:

·       Approximately 50% of the Brindley Theatre’s customers were from out of the Borough;

·       Demands for acts varied from one year to the next and it was difficult to predict whether or not a show would be a sell out or not;

·       A priority was to increase the seating capacity of the café as this was extremely popular; it was hoped to double this from 40 to 80 covers;

·       Free parking was unique in Halton so this was attractive to customers  and the car park would be increased by 118 spaces once the old Crosville site was developed;

·       Members discussed the revisiting of acts, the viability of some acts,  the use of the studio for ‘niche’ acts and why some acts did not return;

·       Music education was not offered at the Brindley as it was not in demand;

·       Income generation from private hire customers was explained; the Theatre would not make a loss if private events were poorly attended;

·       Casual catering staff were employed in the Terrace Café and they did work with Riverside College in encouraging applications from students.

RESOLVED:  That the Board notes the presentation and welcomes the positive progress being made to promote the Brindley as an important visitor destination.