Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells to make four full-time staff redundant as it deals with 'challenging financial circumstances'

There are questions hanging over the financial situation of a theatre after it announced a series of redundancies.

The Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells has confirmed it will make four full-time posts redundant, although it is unclear how many part-time staff this will affect.

Eight front-of-house staff will face changes to their contracts as the venue tries to offset financial losses.

The venue could be transformed into a new £25 million theatre similar to the Marlowe in Canterbury
The venue could be transformed into a new £25 million theatre similar to the Marlowe in Canterbury

However, the theatre is looking to hire two apprentices.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s director of change and communities Paul Taylor said: “The theatre is not closing nor is it making all staff redundant.

“We are planning for the future to ensure we are able to continue to deliver the top quality shows and breadth of provision we have become known for.

“It is no secret that council is operating in challenging financial circumstances and so we are looking at new ways of delivering and enhancing the service we offer.

“As part of this we are changing staff contracts for eight front of house staff.

“There are also changes for admin staff and overall the equivalent of four full-time posts will be made redundant.

“We will however be creating new employment opportunities and included in this we hope to employ two apprentices.”

Will Young
Will Young

The 1,000 seater venue will celebrate its 75th anniversary in May.

Recent acts have included Will Young in the lead role of Cabaret and in the coming months it is set to host comedian Sarah Millican, singer Suggs and musician Jools Holland.

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