Andrew Proudfoot
Appearances
The Planet Reigate Podcast
49: Our report on the big Harlequin meeting and the Morris Men’s group which may not dance to see 100 years… and more
Continued closure of the Harlequin represents a massive generational cultural loss to the community. shutting down opportunities for our youth to find their passion and lifetime interest for the stage, for dance, for music. Just as we need to protect our green space and playing fields used for football, rugby and athletics, we need the harlequin.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
49: Our report on the big Harlequin meeting and the Morris Men’s group which may not dance to see 100 years… and more
We know very well these arts are life transforming for the development of children and they are also life transforming for adults and they enhance our collective happiness and well-being. The Harlequin Theatre is no dreary enterprise, but it is a jewel in the crown for the arts. It fulfills a major role in this community.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
49: Our report on the big Harlequin meeting and the Morris Men’s group which may not dance to see 100 years… and more
We need to cherish its contribution to our happy lives and not carve at the restitution of its unlucky structural history. The Harlequin had been on track to break even after carefully thought-out refurbishment. Other council theatres blighted with rack since September 2023 have been refurbished and subsequently reopened.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
49: Our report on the big Harlequin meeting and the Morris Men’s group which may not dance to see 100 years… and more
Eleven months on, this council has still not done the essential intrusive rack survey or even got ahead with planning for our future theatre provision. And what of all the important interim plans for facilities to bridge those months of construction works? Furthermore, this paper proposes cuts to the Harlequin's professional staff
The Planet Reigate Podcast
49: Our report on the big Harlequin meeting and the Morris Men’s group which may not dance to see 100 years… and more
and add yet more to the mountain of difficulties faced by the arts in this borough.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
46: The second annual CycloCross Reigate, the history of our local heathland … and more
Residents want our council to secure an indoor space for major choral works that require a large choir and orchestra and for operatic and drama groups that need a backstage set-up more elaborate than any church hall can provide.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
46: The second annual CycloCross Reigate, the history of our local heathland … and more
Finally, we urge the management to investigate the big space of the Harlequin stage for photography and art exhibitions, for a literary festival in conjunction with a refurbished library next door, for trade fairs or even a Christmas market or a beer festival. The list is very long.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
46: The second annual CycloCross Reigate, the history of our local heathland … and more
Let's increase the seating capacity of our theatre in a refurbished Harlequin so that bigger and more ambitious shows can agree to come here in the future. It is disappointing to note that this motion is being referred to council without the opportunity for democratic debate.
The Planet Reigate Podcast
46: The second annual CycloCross Reigate, the history of our local heathland … and more
I would urge the council's executive to reverse its current reduced provision for the arts and set about providing residents with a cast iron commitment to bring back a better facility as quickly as possible. Please can we be assured that there will be carefully thought out interim measures and a substantial long term plan before our Harlequin Theatre is reopened. Thank you Mr Mack.