When the Grove Theatre was launched the Council promised much and LC/Harpers gushed about consulting the public - see below. Council documents from the last eight months suggest the promises and consultation count for little.

Central Bedfordshire Council  SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEE  7.9.11

 Value for money aspects of leisure and theatre facilities within the leisure management contracts for Central Bedfordshire

Members of the Committee discussed the report with officers and raised anumber of concerns regarding the Grove Theatre in Dunstable including the following:

• the management practice of ticket sales which prevents the purchasing of circle tickets before the stalls are full;

• whether the Grove Theatre is still showing films;

• perceived lack of community engagement;

• the perceived high cost of hiring the Grove Theatre for functions

• the concessions policy for community and council use;

• lack of quality in the programming choice and not being varied enough to appeal to many members of the community;

• concerns regarding the length of the contract.

The Head of Leisure Services advised members that the Grove Theatre and each of the leisure centres had Customer Forums where concerns about pricing, ticket sales, publicity and programming could all be raised directly with the theatre or leisure centre. It was agreed that a list of these dates would be circulated with the minutes and that Customer Forums would be publicised in the Members’ Newsletter. Members of the Committee asked to see the comments from the previous Customer Forum which were to be circulated to Members outside of the meeting.

Members discussed the budget for the Grove Theatre. The budget for the Grove was broken down into £287,000 management fee plus £14,000 for RPI (inflation) for Leisure Connection to run the Grove, £33,000 for utilities and a fee to the site management company of £50,000. The 25 year contract stipulated that in the 7th, 14th and 21st year Leisure Connections should approach the Council with investment opportunities or proposals. The Head of Leisure Services advised members that the Grove Theatre was meeting its contractual obligations.

Following a complaint from a member, Leisure Connection had tested the ticket sale policy and advised that there had been 19 enquiries for seats in the Circle, 14 of these people had accepted a seat in the stalls and only 5 had not; however, as the policy of allowing the stalls to fill before the circle had been raised again as an issue of concern, the Head of Leisure Services agreed to ask the Grove Theatre to re-visit this policy by allowing ticket sales in the circle ahead of the stalls and request the artistic directors of productions for their feedback on the impact this has on the performance...

Members raised some concerns about the cleanliness of leisure centres and agreed to raise these directly at Customer Forum meetings. (Note - not all of Central Bed's leisure centre are run by LC/Harpers. However,  this company has form elsewhere when it comes to poor cleaning.)

Council Meeting  24 February 2011

Councillor Green asked why access to circle seats at the Grove Theatre was restricted for many shows. The Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles advised that the hirer of the Grove Theatre could dictate the terms on which tickets were sold, and that circle seats were sometimes available.

As I said, so much for promises and consultation. PB

Dunstable Today   11.12.07  http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/dunstable-news/34Let-us-back-in-the.3576291.jp  Reproduced in Full 

"Let us back in the Grove", Cali-R supporters tell council  1,000 signatures collected in U-turn call 

Four petitions calling for Cali-R soul nights to be reinstated at Dunstable's Grove Theatre have been handed in to officials at South Beds District Council. 
Around 1,000 signatures are believed to have been collected by campaigners fuming at the way promoter Sid Hudson's event had been treated. 
After staging a Cali-R night at the Grove in May, Mr Hudson was told that future shows would have to be sit-down concerts with no DJs playing. 
Unwilling to accept these conditions, the promoter shifted a performance by soul legends The Stylistics to Dunstable Leisure Centre. 
But Mr Hudson maintains that his events - which are held in memory of the town's legendary California Ballroom venue - are suitable for the Grove. 
At the latest full council meeting, Mr Hudson demanded to know why the restrictions were put in place, claiming that his event had been "eliminated".

He was told by Councillor David McVicar that the Grove was designed as a theatre, not a dance hall. The portfolio holder added that the council fully supports theatre bosses for making the decision, and said employees at the Grove were not trained to oversee Cali-R nights. 

Mr McVicar also pointed out that Leisure Connection - the company that runs the theatre - has an obligation to provide a balanced programme, but he said the council could not force it to hold a particular event. 

Extracts from Letter to Luton Today published 20.6.07

Just to give your readers some background, following last weeks' letter from South Beds Council, the Cali-R has been running for 10 years and has been attended by thousands of people. Cali-R is a big reunion of the old Californian Ballroom, so most of the people are of mature age and represented a cross-section of the community...

On May 5, 2007 an hour after the Cali-R finishing at the Grove Theatre, the deputy manager came up to me and said what a pleasure it had been working with us... 

Then 24 days later I attended a meeting to discuss 'a couple of concerns' about the May 5 event - concerns which as far as I  knew were operational failings by Leisure Connection which could easily be resolved...

I was told the Cali-R was to be moved to a venue (a leisure centre) with not enough legal toilet facilities, no stage, no state of the art sound and lighting, no proper dressing room or facilities for international artists, little or no heating and no trained staff in putting on an entertainment event - from a venue which had all of these ...

Sid Hudson. Cali-R Organiser

Letter to Luton on Sunday  July 8 2007  http://www.lutononsunday.com/lutononsunday-letters/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=107454 

High-handed attitude on theatre is a mistake   Fond memories: Life and times at the California Ballroom Dunstable

Madam - I feel I must pass comment on last weeks item regarding the Grove Theatre's treatment of Sid Hudson and his Cali-R shows, because it's not just about this high-handed attitude for this particular event.

It affects everyone in Dunstable who has waited seven years for the Grove and hoped for it to succeed because without regular use and a variety of acts it will surely fail.

In most departments I find South Bedfordshire District Council to be a very efficient organisation, but I think they've sadly misjudged the people of Dunstable on this occasion.

They repeatedly state that they have 'no direct management responsibility' for the Grove, so why was it them that initially informed Mr Hudson of the bad news and why is it always them we hear from and not Leisure Connection, who seem to be hiding behind the council's skirts? 

Whereas I appreciate that everything that took place at the much-missed Queensway Hall can't be replicated, surely the Grove is ideal for shows like the Cali-R, films and bingo to name but three.

I'm sorry if these suggestions don't fit into their grand scheme of things, but it's our theatre subsidised by our council tax and any reasonable way it can show a profit should not be ignored.

For example, I see in their brochure that there is virtually nothing happening there this month, which in my opinion leaves a lot to be desired if it's going to make a success of itself.

Already there have been several shows with very poor attendances and every time I have booked tickets there have been various problems.

So surely common sense should prevail all round because to me the whole thing leaves a bad taste in the mouth and is rapidly becoming a huge disappointment and a potentially missed opportunity.

J Saunders Address supplied


South Beds confirms Cali shows must cease http://www.lutononsunday.com/lutononsunday-news/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=106226 

South Bedfordshire District Council has responded to growing anger over the decision to axe the popular Cali-R event from the Grove Theatre.

Council bosses have issued a statement backing the decision to end the show.

The ten-year-old Cali-R event had traditionally been held two or three times a year at Dunstable Leisure Centre, before making a triumphant debut at the Grove Theatre shortly after it opened in April.

The show aims to give party-goers the chance to meet old friends and dance to the music they enjoyed at the California Ballroom in the 1960s and 1970s.

But last month we revealed how theatre management company Leisure Connections had told Cali-R organiser Sid Hudson that the show could not be held there any more.

Mr Hudson has since campaigned to get the event reinstated at the theatre and Cali-R members have started up petitions to keep it there.

But South Bedfordshire District Council has backed Leisure Connection and released a statement in light of his campaign.

It said: 'The first point we should make is that we have explained to Mr Hudson that Leisure Connection is contracted by South Bedfordshire District Council to manage the day-to-day running of the Grove Theatre.

'Although this council has no direct management responsibility for the Grove Theatre, we feel it important, however, to respond to the points Mr Hudson has been making via local media.

'In our reply letter to him we explained that while the Grove Theatre is a magnificent venue for all the people of South Bedfordshire as well as visitors to the area, the facility was never intended to be an exact replica replacement for the old Queensway Hall.

'While we understand why Mr Hudson would want to use The Grove, the council agrees with Leisure Connection that some events are simply not suitable to be hosted in the new theatre, because they are essentially events for which the space and equipment in the theatre are not really appropriate and that can raise health and safety issues.' 

Mr Hudson said: "The Grove Theatre has been designed to host a concert such as mine.

"Overall it is far more spacious and would cause fewer health and safety problems.

"The only production the Grove's management is willing to put on is a fully seated one, with Leisure Connection in full control of the programme.

"Around 1,700 people have signed various petitions with regards to Leisure Connection's decision and the number is rising rapidly.

"The council fully supports Leisure Connection, which I hope voters will remember at next local elections."

'Save Cali nights'  http://www.lutononsunday.com/lutononsunday-news/DisplayArticle.asp?id=103861   By Lui Stracchia

A petition is to be launched to try and keep a ten-year-old event held in memory of Dunstable's old soul venue at the Grove Theatre.

Cali-R shows take place two or three times a year, giving party-goers the chance to meet old friends and dance to the music they enjoyed at the California Ballroom in the 1960s and 1970s.

But two weeks ago Sid Hudson, who organises the events, received a letter from South Bedfordshire District Council saying the shows cannot be held there any more.

Reasons given by Leisure Connection, which manages the theatre, include the 'suitability of Grove Theatre to be used for a purpose that is, in essence, 'a nightclub', and that 'employees at Grove Theatre are trained to run the building as a theatre'.

The decision to give the thumbs down to Cali-R has outraged members who feel the future of the event has been put in jeopardy.

Joy Morris is to start a petition to protest about plans to end Cali-r nightsJoy Morris, who attended the last show at Grove Theatre on May 5 along with around 900 people, said: "It's a crying shame we can't go to events there any more.

"I'll be starting a petition in protest against this decision - surely 900 people matter.

"We're all taxpayers, so I can't understand why we can't have shows there.

"They're very good events where we can see the bands we like, have a dance and enjoy music while meeting up with old friends.

"It's not as though we ever cause any trouble, and it certainly isn't a nightclub." 

Grove Theatre manager Jo Ditch said: "Having trialled the event at the theatre, Dunstable Leisure Centre, in Court Drive is a much more suitable venue for this type of event.

"The Cali-R events have been held at the leisure centre for several years now and they have proved to be a great success.

"We have offered the producer of the Cali-R events an opportunity to once again stage the event at the leisure centre.

"We are also happy to continue offering the theatre's box office service for the ticket sale of the next event in November if the producer decides to hold the event at the alternative Leisure Connection venue." 

District council spokesman John Armstrong said: "The choice of which events can take place at the theatre is a matter for Leisure Connection.

"The district council supports Leisure Connection in its decisions, particularly when events do not suit the mission of the theatre or give rise to health and safety concerns."

What was said about the purpose of the Grove Theatre in the Past?

Council Press Release 16.5.07 http://www.24dash.com/content/press_releases/viewPressRelease.php?releaseID=3197&navID=42&itemID=139 
THE GROVE THEATRE APPOINTS FIRST MANAGER

Leisure Connection, operators of South Bedfordshire District Council’s new Grove Theatre in Dunstable, has appointed Jo Ditch as its first General Manager. 
Jo (28) who is from nearby St Albans, will be responsible for the launch of The Grove Theatre and all theatre operations, staffing and main programming to include community involvement and a focus on cultural participation when it opens in Spring 2007. 

Jo brings with her years of management experience including the London theatre scene, where she was previously manager of Trafalgar Studios, formerly the Whitehall Theatre, off London’s Trafalgar Square and prior to that the Phoenix Theatre in London’s Charing Cross Road and the Empire Theatre in Liverpool. 
Through the venues she has managed, Jo has been involved in internationally famous productions including Sweeny Todd, the RSC’s Othello, Simply Heavenly and Blood Brothers. 

Jo said: "This is such an exciting opportunity for me. It’s not often you get to launch a brand new theatre. I will work very hard to ensure that The Grove Theatre gives the people of South Bedfordshire great shows including drama, dance, music, comedy, film and community arts performances.” Jo is currently appointing a senior management team to work with her and will soon begin working on developing a programme for the launch of the theatre and beyond.

BBC Website http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2007/02/23/grove_theatre_0207_feature.shtml  
The Grove is coming!  Katy Lewis

As the new Grove Theatre in Dunstable prepares to open its doors, General Manager Jo Ditch tells us what residents can expect and how excitement is growing.
It's been a long time coming!!

... Jo Ditch has been involved with the project for the past 18 months and she told us what residents can expect and how excitement is growing as their prepare to open the doors! 

This venue has been quite a long time coming hasn't it?

Jo: Yes - I think the community in Dunstable have waited quite along time for this so we're getting an awful lot of really positive feedback from people phoning up and people popping in. Everyone is very excited about being able to get into the Box Office and actually come and buy their tickets. As Leisure Connection we've been involved in the project for about two years and I've been working on the project for about 18 months so it's been really interesting growing the team that are going to be working at the theatre. 

And there's not just a new theatre is there?

Jo: A developer built the theatre and all the units attached to the side and eventually there'll be all these bars and restaurants that will run alongside it. As Leisure Connection we're operating the theatre side and the units will be let out to various restaurants. We'll run our own bars for pre and post-show drinks but there'll also be the option of these other bars and I think they will just bring a whole new world to Dunstable!

What sort of things will be on at the theatre, what can people expect?

Jo: We have done a mix of theatre because we needed to know what people in the area were interested in. We sent out mailing list cards so people could come back to us with their interests and from that we've programmed the theatre accordingly. So we have drama and children's shows, opera, musicals and over the next few seasons of work we'll hopefully be able to tailor them more to the people of South Beds. But for now we've put on quite an eclectic mix. There's very few gaps in the schedule at the moment.

So the people of Dunstable have been really involved in the programming?

Jo: Absolutely and we always welcome feedback... 

Council Press Release 12.3.07 http://www.southbeds.gov.uk/council_democracy/news/2007/Curtain_raised_on_Grove.aspx 
Curtain raised on Grove Theatre 

South Bedfordshire District Council’s new sixteen million pound venue, Grove Theatre in Dunstable, will raise its curtain to the public on Saturday 21 April 2007...

Says Executive Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Recreation, Councillor David McVicar, “We promised our residents a multi-purpose theatre and here it is; one of the most modern and best equipped theatre venues in the United Kingdom. We would like to thank all of our partners who have worked so hard to deliver this superb venue on time and within budget. The opening of Grove Theatre is a major boost to the district and beyond. Not only is it of huge cultural significance for the region, it will provide important economic benefits. This is surely an historic moment in South Bedfordshire’s history of which we can all be proud. “The council is committed to encouraging and supporting the provision of a range of high quality leisure and cultural facilities for the people of South Bedfordshire.”

Council Pamphlet Your Questions (about the Grove Theatre) Answered  Estimated date of publication, late 2006. http://www.southbeds.gov.uk/Images/grove_theatre_qa_tcm6-1439.pdf  

What type of shows will the Grove Theatre present?  

The consultation that was carried out at the start of the scheme with residents and community arts groups in the district showed that the people of South Bedfordshire wanted a venue that was not just an arts centre and could:
• Present live music events
• Show film
• Attract ‘star names’
• Provide opportunities for local performing arts groups and societies to perform
• Allow schools and colleges to present their work

The District Council has ensured that the design of the theatre can meet these aims.

The District Council has been especially concerned to make sure that community arts groups and societies will have the opportunity to use the theatre. It has done this through its contract for the management of the theatre by reserving an amount of time each year that these groups can hire the theatre at favourable rates. The District Council will set the conditions for this use and will target this in order to meet its own ambition for a more active district.

Leisure Connection’s specially appointed management team will be arranging to meet with the districts groups, societies, schools and colleges and arts interest groups during 2006 to develop relationships with them and work towards helping to create opportunities for them to perform their work...

The theatre is expected to have a huge cultural significance for the region including developing, improving and strengthening cultural relations. The District Council’s objective is to deliver a theatre which is relevant to the life of South Bedfordshire’s community. It is the District Council’s aim that young people will benefit from the new theatre. Professionally designed educational and participatory opportunities will be developed to encourage the development of creative skills and provide performance experiences.

Whatever the preference: comedy, variety, drama, dance, music concerts, film, musicals, opera or children’s shows, the team will work towards developing a programme, attracting quality shows and artistes that will entertain, engage, inspire and educate theatre audiences.