Huge improvements needed at Stafford's Gatehouse Theatre

The pantomime which has broken box office records for two years running is one of many shows bosses fear they will no longer be able to stage because of ageing equipment.

In the main house the hemp flying lines, which are used to move pieces of scenery in and out of productions, need replacing.

Stafford Borough Council is weighing up £80,000 worth of upgrades at the Gatehouse with cabinet chiefs set to discuss the matter on Wednesday.

A report for the meeting states: "During the main house grid survey it became apparent that the hemp flying lines are at a stage where they require replacement.

"The lines have had their rating reduced by Zurich (insurers) due to their age and if they are again downrated then the venue will not be able to accommodate a large number of the shows we currently book or produce the annual pantomime successfully.

"This would impact on the venue negatively financially."

Concerns have also been raised about the main overhead grid which holds up the lighting and sounding equipment in the venue's 150-capacity Malcolm Edwards Theatre (MET).

The £80,000 investment would cater for the grid system to be replaced or repaired.

The report adds: "The Theatre has significantly reduced the equipment placed on the grid, however, this will begin to have a detrimental impact on performances in the space as shows requiring greater lighting / sound and scenery changes will not be able to use the facility. This will impact negatively on income levels for the space."

The pantomime has been a major draw for theatre-goers recently.

In 2015 Cinderella set a record by selling 16,400 tickets while Jack and Beanstalk this year topped that by selling more than 17,500. The council has expressed serious concerns about the possibility of shows being downgraded or not put on at all in the future.

The report concludes: "Successful performances have an impact on the local economy, particularly the night-time economy.

"Any reduction to the load bearing capacity of the MET grid or main house fly lines will have a negative impact on audience figures at the Gatehouse it may also impact on the reputation of the theatre and wider local authority."