People show their support for Northamptonshire theatre and its future

A Facebook page calling for Wellingborough's Castle theatre to be saved has attracted nearly 2,000 likes.
The Castle theatreThe Castle theatre
The Castle theatre

The page entitled ‘Save The Castle, Wellingborough’ is asking people to show their support for the arts venue and share their views on what they think could be done to help protect its future.

Many people have been sharing their memories of the theatre as well as details of shows taking place in the coming weeks to encourage ticket sales.

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The page also has details of a meeting about the theatre which is being held in the town next week.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to get in touch via Facebook.

A post left on the page on April 8 says: “For information: none of the people associated with this page work at or manage The Castle.

“Any questions about any aspect of the administration should be directed to The Castle.

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“This page is to gather support to help the council find a new way of running The Castle as a financially viable concern.”

The Castle (Wellingborough) Ltd was placed into administration this week following the loss of its contract with Wellingborough Council.

Administrators PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency said all performances and other community activities will go ahead as far as possible and staff and performers will be paid by the administrator through ticket sales and merchandise revenue.

Joint administrator Gary Pettit said: “This is very sad news for the Wellingborough community and, while we are working hard to find a solution so that The Castle can remain a focus in Wellingborough, we would encourage you all to continue to support the theatre.”

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The full level of debt is still being quantified, but it is known that the company inherited a £500,000 pension shortfall and this is their biggest outstanding liability.

The Castle (Wellingborough) Ltd had approached the council in December with a plan to develop the facility and become self-funding, which councillors welcomed, but the council said that research into the viability of the proposed development brought to light that the company’s financial liabilities are significant.

This led to the council issuing the charity with six months’ notice to terminate the contract.

To see the page search for Save The Castle Wellingborough on Facebook or @SaveTheCastleNN on Twitter.