WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR REGIONAL THEATRE?

Theatr Clwyd, Mold

The future of the theatre is in question due to central government's restructuring of local government in Wales. No artistic director from June 1995.

"We are funded and owned by Clwyd County Council, which is to be abolished in March 1996. We have no idea what the new authority's funding priorities will be. The Arts Council of Wales regards us as a national company in all but name, and supports our plan to set up our own producing company, but the unformed new authority has to agree. It's a total fiasco." Patric Gilchrist, general manager

Northcott Theatre, Exeter

South East Arts produced a report that suggested that the theatre cease producing work in-house. After much outcry, a decision is awaited.

"The founding principle of the repertory movement was the creation of high-quality theatre by specifically located companies for specific local constituencies. Now we have to think about investing greater resources, time and energy to achieve that. Similar theatres under threat have to build a network and share work. This isn't a federalist policy, it's about commonality of purpose." John Durnin, artistic director

Redgrave Theatre, Farnham

In its 21st year, the theatre is closed and most of the staff have been made redundant. A business plan from an arts consultancy is due on the viability of re-opening.

"I want to relaunch by the end of this year. We have to reinvent ourselves. We must be open to all sorts of possibilities in terms of co-production, but the hard core of a repertory company must remain. If we think solely in terms of marketing we will end up with no identity." Roland Jacquerello, artistic director