‘This is our biggest crisis since WWII’

PROTECT THE ARTS INDUSTRY

ACTORS, artistes and other creatives across the country are lamenting the state of - and the prospects for - live theatre in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

But in Huddersfield at least there is some reason to be optimistic, even as other big theatres are closing or making staff redundant.

Henry Filloux-Bennett, who took over as artistic director of the Lawrence Batley Theatre just over a year ago, could never have foreseen the calamity facing the performing arts.

He’s referred to the combination of Covid-19, the lockdown and the catastrophic effect on revenue as “the biggest crisis we have had since the Second World War, because that was the last time theatres were mandated to close.”

Like many venues, the LBT needs further support and investment. And, echoing many of his contemporaries, Filloux-Bennett has called on the Government and the Arts Council to step in and ensure live theatre is not another casualty.

But he is full of praise for Kirklees Council, citing it as a shining beacon of support in troubled times.

Just after re-opening the LBT bar for drinks in the courtyard of the converted 19th century former Queen Street Mission, FillouxBennett reflects on where he is and where the LBT goes in future.

“The bottom line is a lack of clarity from the Government. That’s a concern for so many people across different sectors.

“The arts is one of the key sectors that is struggling. And local theatres are just one element that feels that lack of clarity.

“We need financial support and the Job Retention Scheme. That is something that the arts sector desperately needs after October.

“And, of course, just trying to understand what the dates are around this road map.”

That road map, as delivered by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, has been sharply criticised for being light on detail when thousands of jobs are in peril.

This week Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre announced it was looking at redundancy for 65% of its staff.

Many other venues have warned they could permanently close.

Meanwhile live performances are still banned under current restrictions.

In June almost 100 key figures in the arts - including Sir Tom Stoppard, James McAvoy and Petula Clarke - together signed a letter calling for Government action to prevent the performing arts from dying out.

The LBT, says Filloux-Bennett, is not at death’s door yet. Funding from the Arts Council and, crucially, the council, has seen to that.

But to be able to plan ahead and to have the time to do so - is critical. Right now Filloux-Bennett and his team can keep the show going on until April. After that, who knows?

“I am optimistic,” he says.