The Stage

Staff made redundant as Stratford’s Waterside Theatre goes dark

Published Tuesday 9 September 2008 at 14:55 by Lalayn Baluch

Waterside Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon has finally gone dark and 19 members of staff have been made redundant, two months after its operating company went into administration.

The 180-seat venue, built in the style of an Elizabethan playhouse, was opened four years ago by Dynamic Attractions Ltd. The company went into administration in July, blaming last summer’s floods for its financial difficulties.

Kroll Corporate Advisory and Restructuring Group was appointed as the administrator, and the theatre was kept open while the situation was reviewed. It was hoped that it might be sold, but no buyers came forward.

A spokeswoman for Kroll said: “Having considered all options for the business, the joint administrators of Dynamic Attractions Ltd and The Waterside Theatre Ltd today announced the completion of a managed wind-down of the business.

“The business has now ceased trading, regrettably resulting in 19 redundancies. We thank all employees for their co-operation and understanding throughout what we appreciate has been a difficult period.”

Waterside Theatre was home to the Shakesperience - a virtual reality show which told the story of the poet’s life. The venue also put on a regular comedy night The Shakes, as well as independent productions.

The spokeswoman told The Stage that it is “highly unlikely” the venue will reopen as a theatre, as both Dynamic and Waterside have ceased trading. She added that the administrators are continuing to seek buyers for the property, and invite interested parties to contact Kroll’s Birmingham branch.