Could not agree more…The country is in ruins, Money needs diverting to the public services, where it is needed most, And if the arts people want to pay stupid money for ‘unmade beds’ and ‘graffiti’, let them provide it from there own pockets.Report comment

Clearly written, Chris Hudson, by someone who has no understanding, knowledge or appreciation for culture. By killing creative industries, we are placing ourselves well behind other countries in our work place development as well as destroying the roots of our country’s rich history in the arts.
You have approached this in a very one-sided, childish way without much comprehension of the bigger picture! Congratulations you are the kind of brain ruining this country…Report comment

I think this is such sad news for the North East. Newcastle has long been a cultural hub, and produces some fantastic theatre and art.
I understand the time of austerity that we find oursevelves in, however, surely cutting funding to an entire industry entirely can only do more hard than good. It will increase unemployment by thousands, stunt creativity in children, and reduce the cash injection into the local area.
Theatre also fosters other industries such as Bars and Restaurants. If arts establishments are closing as a result of no funding this will have a profound effect on the area.
Perhaps a cut to funding is necessary in the current economic time, but a 100% cut would be crippling in so many ways.
@ChrisHudson ‘Grow up and stop spongin off the rest of us’ – if funding is cut, people will lose jobs and will subsequently need to sign on. Is that not a bigger squeeze on the economy?Report comment

Yeah all those performing arts types. They just sit around, eat beans and Doritos like students (oh and there’s another collective we might as well tarnish with the same stereotypical brush whilst we’re at it, ey?) They contribute nothing to the economy. Most of them aren’t educated and don’t possess any more talent than is in Chris Hudson’s middle finger (of which he has so kindly flicked to many thousands in the industry.)

I’m sure from where ever you are, Mr. Hudson it is easy for you to happily condone a decision that will result in job losses/cuts to thousands in the area. Cuts in this current climate need to be made but how you justify 100% cuts to one sector in such a culturally diverse area is not fair. I agree there are other places where the money is needed more but what will happen to our beloved Theatre Royal, Live Theatre, our museums and small business that depend on government funding?

Have you ever been to theatre Mr. Hudson, or do you view it as trite and boring? The creative industries account for 5% of the domestic product, turning over billions and employing millions in UK. Please show some humility for the many in the area who have worked with passion, very hard both mentally and physically to achieve careers in such a competive field and will now face even further struggle to find employment.Report comment