The Stage

Problem swept Understairs

Published Monday 23 July 2007 at 18:20

I feel compelled to write with regard to the devastating position many companies who were with Understairs Arts (understairs @Apostolic) have been left in.

It was reported the Apostolic Church withdrew as a fringe venue. What was not reported was about 15 companies (at the time of print) were left without venues - and, as far as I am aware, some still are.

It appears not only has Understairs Arts seemed to wash its hands of the whole thing, but for now we don’t even know when our money due to us through advance ticket sales will be returned.

The reason for the withdrawal of the Apostolic was allegedly a breach of a “morality clause” in the contract with Understairs. However, we were all contracted to send our production scripts to Understairs by March 15 and, given this was in its contract with the church, it would not be unreasonable to assume this could have been addressed way back then.

The bitter irony is while the two shows that caused alleged offence have moved venues, the withdrawal of the Apostolic left so many in limbo - all companies agree the viewpoint of the Apostolic is respected, which is why we all sent scripts in - we are not angry at the church.

I was set to take a school production of Jesus Christ Superstar to perform August 19-27. The 52 strong cast, band and team aged 11-19 are from a St Albans secondary school and this would be their debut. They are extremely talented - having performed at the BBC Shakespeare Festival and having extracts from their production of Chess showcased in the West End - and on home ground JCS pulled in full houses.

To even consider cancelling the show would have been unthinkable - not just because of the amount of money that has already been spent on marketing, accommodation and so on, but because of the total devastation it would cause to cast members who have been working in their own time.

However, I am delighted to report that Rocket Venues came to our rescue this morning and we have signed to appear at Roxy Main from August 20-27 and at the changed time of 1.25pm. I am also grateful to the Fringe office for its support. I have heard that most of the other productions (some of whom were flying in from abroad) have now found alternative venues. We have all been touched by the support from the other venue managers and from the Fringe office itself.

Unfortunately, despite having that new venue, we, along with many others, have now got marketing material (posters, T-shirts, fliers, adverts) that are redundant and any attempts to speak with Understairs have not yielded any joy.

It is surely essential that other companies are warned about this company which, at the very least, owes us a sincere apology for its negligence in this situation - not to mention the restitution of hire fees and advance ticket sales money.

Audrey Tang Davis

Head of psychology and co-ordinator of the drama extra curricular programme

Marlborough School

Watling Street

St Albans