Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhood Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“Beri Juriac’s article in The Stage newspaper makes interesting reading. He helpfully suggests councils should sponsor the arts, whilst recognising councils have no money to do so due to unprecedented Government cuts to funding.

“We made no secret of the fact we could no longer afford to run and heavily subsidise the Secombe and Charles Cryer Theatres. For each show we put on, more than four seats in five were empty. It was simply unsustainable.

“With cross-party agreement we held a six-month process to find the talented, industry-leading operators the theatres in Sutton deserved. This thorough process, including compelling presentations and interviews, recommended Beri Juriac and Sutton Theatres Trust as the people who could save Sutton’s theatres.

“It is disappointing then to read Mr Juriac’s comments, given how well he promoted his ability to lead the theatres into profitability. He should perhaps consider his own role, rather than blame the council for the failings of Sutton Theatres Trust. The Trust benefitted from 15 months of rent-free use of the theatres, received free repair work to the theatres before the transfer, and received the equipment and fittings the Trust needed to succeed. Usually when you take a building on a lease, you take on responsibilities. To give the Trust the best chance of success we gave them the best-possible start.

“At no point did the Trust ever indicate any financial problems when meeting with the council. We were therefore as surprised as many to learn of their failure. Many residents I have spoken to were concerned, however, by the Trust’s approach to theatre production and promotion. Many residents suggested shows could be better advertised in the borough, noting there were no posters or leaflets in our local shops, on our noticeboards or interestingly, in our local newspapers.

“The reasons why Sutton Theatres Trust failed are many, just as is the case with similar stories across the country. Beri took on the deal Sutton Council offered with his eyes wide open. He failed to make it work, and that failure will further damage the cause of local theatre in Sutton. To try and lay the blame at the door of those who tried to help you the most, without recognising your own role, is disingenuous at least.”