MP Robert Goodwill 'concerned but not surprised' over plight of SIV, the company that runs Scarborough Spa and Whitby Pavilion

Scarborough and Whitby’s MP says he is concerned but not surprised that the company which runs two of the area’s live arts venues is struggling.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sheffield City Trust, also known as Sheffield International Venues (SIV), which runs Scarborough Spa and Whitby Pavilion on behalf of the borough council, has said there are no plans to close either venue but it is exploring staff redundancies and facing "challenging times".

MP Robert Goodwill said: “It’s really worrying but not surprising as I don’t think we’re going to see theatres open for months, maybe not until next year.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Goodwill spoke to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden only last night about the reopening of arts venues.

The future for Scarborough Spa is unclear.The future for Scarborough Spa is unclear.
The future for Scarborough Spa is unclear.

“It seems it will be difficult to open theatres again,” he said.

Although cinemas are planning to reopen with social distancing measures in place, Mr Goodwill said theatres will be more difficult to open safely because of the number of people involved in productions and the advance preparation for shows that are needed.

“Even if they got the go-ahead in October, we probably wouldn’t see shows being performed until the new year,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has also been in touch with the director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Caroline Routh, and said she was explaining to him the difficulties they have been facing.

Coming soon ... or not at all ?Coming soon ... or not at all ?
Coming soon ... or not at all ?

“They’ve been offered a rent holiday and have furloughed staff.” he said.

He thinks there will be opportunities for theatres to stream performances and for outdoor theatre before live shows return.

The Grade II-listed Scarborough Spa is home to the renowned Scarborough Spa Orchestra and hosts, among many events, the Scarborough Jazz Festival.

A message from the editor

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Jean MacQuarrie

Editor-in-Chief