The Stage

Chit chat: Under house arrest

Published Tuesday 23 February 2010 at 12:50 by Tabard

Back in Tom Fool’s day, they would probably have been put in the stocks.

But in our modern, politically correct, ‘it’s wrong to throw rotten fruit and veg at people’ society, they get given community service orders instead. Tabard is talking, of course, about petty criminals.

Luckily for Brentwood Theatre, though, it also means the venue is getting its front of house repainted for free. Even if the residents of Essex miss out on the opportunity to get rid of their mouldy cabbages.

For, you see, Brentwood Theatre will receive a spring facelift this April when a team of Essex Probation’s Community Payback workers come in and do a decoration job on the theatre’s bar and front of house.

Theatre administrator Mark Reed explained: “I attended a presentation before Christmas about the scheme and was initially dubious. However, the commitment and attention to detail by the managers has demonstrated how the theatre will benefit hugely.

“We anticipate the work being to a high standard and as a charity we cannot afford always to pay for such jobs to be done and the front of house is starting to look tired.”

If all goes well, there are plans to redecorate the outside of the theatre in the summer. If not, then it’s time to start saving up those cabbages.