For thirty five years the theatre has given huge pleasure, not just to residents, but to visitors from around the world.It truly is something we can all be proud of.
More than that, the theatre has given many young actors the chance to develop their skills and go on to greater things.
Sadly, its days may be numbered: another developer is threatening to destroy it.
This is what the Artistic Director, Neil McPherson has to say.....
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| Neil McPherson |
Dear Local Resident,
The future of the multi award winning Finborough Theatre - a landmark of Earl's Court for the last 35 years - is under threat.
As too is the successful new management of the Finborough Arms, one of the area's few remaining neighbourhood pubs.
The freeholder is seeking to develop flats directly above the theatre auditorium itself, changing their current use from residential bedrooms to a self contained flat including kitchen, bathroom and living area.
The application in various forms has already been rejected by the Council on a number of occasions and by the Planning Inspectorate at Appeal. Whilst the new application deals with noise issues to some extent, we remain profoundly concerned that the redevelopment will lead to such noise issues for us that it will be untenable to continue as a working theatre. We are also concerned by the disruption that the building work may cause to running the theatre. It’s quite likely that the application will be approved unless we act.
Please support us - and the future of one our area's cultural amenities - by objecting to the application here:
The deadline for objections is this Friday 14th August.
After Friday no more objections can be taken.
With very many thanks for your support,
Neil McPherson
Artistic Director, Finborough Theatre
It is now one day before any objections to this can be registered and I wonder why this notification has been received so late in the day! I do object, very strongly. The loss of the Finborough Theatre would be a very great loss indeed.
ReplyDeleteNeil McPherson has built the Finborough Theatre from a small fringe venue into one of the most important Off West End venues, respected for the quality of its work. It champions both new writing and the re discovery of old neglected work and attracts actors of the highest calibre. The loss of The Finborough would be a serious loss both to the local area and to theatre in London and beyond and I object to the application
ReplyDeleteWard councillors should ensure that the generic Article 4 Direction on public houses applies to the Finborough and also should organise locally to have the pub and theatre designated as an asset of community value.
ReplyDeleteWhy are we learning of this so, so late? There is very little that can be done, unless a Cllr. moves fast. I am not at all sympathetic, as a properly organised petition should have been made. You will now suffer the consequences of your lack of proper action.
ReplyDeleteSad Badger, you're a very unempathetic human being, just saying
ReplyDelete