|
Clwyd Theatr Cymru general manager Sarah Holmes has resigned amid a crisis over the venue's funding problems, sparking rumours that artistic director Terry hands will follow soon. She will become the new executive director at the currently dark Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, which will be re-launched later this year following its closure as a result of cash problems. Hands returns this week from New York - where he has been directing - to witness staff being issued with voluntary and compulsory redundancies. Major funder Flintshire County Council has told Hands that he must clear the Welsh venue's £800,000 deficit over the next four years in order to meet local authority budget plans. It is thought at least a dozen jobs will be axed. A source said: "It came as a surprise to hear that Sarah Holmes is leaving, but some of the staff are glad to see her go". The source added it was thought likely that the board would discuss Hands' future at the venue. However, Holmes - who has bee supervising the restructuring in Hands' absence - said there was no truth in the rumours that Hands could face the sack. She also denied that her departure had any connection with the situation in Clwyd. She confirmed that compulsory redundancies will be issued, but could not say how many jobs would finally go. "It [the restructuring plan] will affect future programming - there is no doubt about that - but it is the only way that we could continue to operate"., said Holmes, adding that only Hands would determine the number of future projects. A source said that staff members were consulting union UNISON about possible claims of constructive dismissal over the restructuring of posts. Some allege that a ring-fencing scheme in which theatre staff are offered downgraded jobs is not being upheld as managers try to introduce non-theatre workers on shorter contracts. Holmes said: "I have no knowledge of that, but staff should be talking to me about these issues". She added that there was an opportunity for the staff to appeal regarding post changes. Julia Grime starts work this week at Clwyd Theatr Cymru as its new financial controller. |
| The Stage web site: |
| Cameron Robertson e-mail: |
Thursday, June 1, 2000 |
Older news
stories have been carefully archived.
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999