Plans to breathe new life into historic theatre (From This is The West Country)

Plans to breathe new life into historic theatre

5:00pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in Devon By Mid Devon Star Reporter

BOSSES at the Wellesley cinema and theatre in Wellington are hoping to breathe new life into the historic venue.

Stewart Cusack and Keith Nash, of S&K Entertainment, are back in charge following a six-year gap after taking over the reins from Reel Cinema earlier this month.

And the pair have signalled their intentions for the 1930s landmark, which remains owned by Wellington Arts Association.

Mr Cusack, who ran the venue from 1999 to 2007, said: “There have to be changes. If we had not bought it back it would have shut – it was haemorrhaging money.”

Last week, The Star reported confusion over whether two live shows – an ABBA tribute on April 26 and an Ultimate ’80s tribute on May 24 – would go ahead.

Mr Cusack confirmed the Mykris Promotions shows had been cancelled following a dispute with the promoter.

He said: “We wanted to keep the shows in. I was looking forward to them.

“All other live shows will continue and we’re going to be making positive changes.

“It’s a great venue. I think it’s fantastic that it’s not just a cinema but it’s also a theatre.”

Among the changes are plans to bring the old box office into use rather than sell tickets at the kiosk counter.

The Wellesley would also like to digitally stream performances from the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera House in London.

Mr Cusack added: “It’s been a tough start but we’re looking forward to it.”