By Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter
A petition to save Southampton’s Nuffield theatres has been launched.
The council has been asked to step in to save the future of Nuffield Southampton Theatres’ two venues – the NST City in the cultural quarter and the Nuffield Theatre at the University of Southampton.
Earlier this month the theatres’ operator went into administration, and a buyer is now being sought for the organisation that runs the two venues.
But 11,000 people have so far signed an online petition asking Southampton City Council to save the future of the theatres in the city.
Southampton casting director Annelie Powell is behind the initiative and said she is aiming to present the petition to city councillors.
She added: “I’d like them to commit to continuing the work that has been done so far- commit to leasing the building to someone who will make work with and for Sotonians. Invest in the community groups that want to interact with a live building that reflects them, and also champions the next generation of makers. As a city we’ve always had a history of building things. Ships, Spitfires, Ford – why can’t we continue to build our theatre work?”
The council has said that it wants to bid for Southampton to become City of Culture 2025.
NST City was described as the “jewel in the crown” of Southampton's multi-million pound Cultural Quarter.
The building is owned by the city council.
Earlier this month the local authority said the site will remain in the ownership of the city council and it is not up for sale.
Ms Powell said the offer of help to save the two NST’s venues have been extraordinary.
She added: “I hope the council will take all of this into account when looking over the expressions of interests from possible buyers and commit to making sure whoever takes on the building will continue the vein of work . It would be a travesty for it to become a small receiving house, rather than producing, especially when the Mayflower does such brilliant work on big touring shows already. ”
Cllr Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for homes, communities and culture at the city council, said: “It’s great to see the level of support for NST’s work both locally and nationally; I welcome Ms Powell’s petition and would like to thank all those that signed it, showing how much culture is valued in our city.
"Southampton City Council has an unwavering commitment to ensuring the building continues to play a central role in our city’s cultural delivery and serves our local communities. We will support the administrators in charge of NST holdings, and work with partners to find a way forward with the £1.9m of funding ring fenced by Arts Council England, capitalising on the incredible talent and passion we have in the city, and delivering the best long term sustainable cultural outcomes in this space for Southampton.”
Previously
Nuffield Theatres’ operator goes into administration
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