Q. Is the Theatre closing?
A. No our plan is to keep the venue open while we explore options to exit the lease, and we would prefer to transfer the running to another operator. We have cancelled and moved some performances to allow us time to consider our next steps.
Q: Has the theatre gone bust?
A. No – the theatre continues to operate while we explore options, all customers have been refunded in full, and we will pay fees that are due to artists.
Q. Is ACM planning on selling the venue?
A. No – the building is owned by Guildford Borough Council
Q. Who is responsible for the current disruption and timing?
A. ACM as the venues operator are responsible and we will continue to honor agreements and limit disruption as much as possible.
Q. When will I get my refund?
A. We have processed all refunds automatically and have sent confirmation emails. This was returned to whichever payment method was used to make the original purchase. (Credit/Debit/ApplePay/ Google Pay). If you didn’t provide contact details, we have still processed the refund on your behalf.
Q. Why can’t ACM keep operating the venue?
A. Due to current financial pressures and cost increases we are not able to continue providing the subsidy or investment that the venue requires. The venue has limited seating capacity, and this restricts its ability to cover its running costs.
Q. Did ACM want to use it for student activity all along and this is a way of justifying a change of use?
A. No – It would not be cost effective for the venue to operate as a student only facility and ACM would prefer it to be retained for theatre use.
Q. Why did ACM take on the venue in the first place if it has run at a loss?
A. ACM were hirers of the Theatre when it was under GBC control and intended to use it for educational use during the day and for theatre use at other times. ACM got some things wrong but unfortunately, this model has not been successful operationally or financially and the theatre has sustained significant losses which are increasing due to higher energy and employment costs.
Q. Why didn’t ACM announce this decision sooner?
A. We have been reviewing the operation for a number of months. Recently we have been in discussion with partners including Guildford Borough Council. We have tried to inform staff, volunteers, GATA, artists, promoters & students in that order before we made a public announcement.
Q. Will there be staff redundancies?
A. The theatre has had a significantly reduced staff team over recent months, and we are trying to limit the number of redundancies. Our casual employees are affected by a reduction in shifts, and we will explore alternative options for them.
Q. What are the next steps
A. We will continue to explore options and will engage with local groups and interested parties who may wish to operate the venue. In the meantime, our student activity will continue to make use of the building.
