Downturn sees audiences slide at theatres in Hull
AUDIENCE figures are on the slide at the city's two major council-run entertainment venues.
New figures for a three-month period between April and June paint a bleak picture at Hull New Theatre and Hull City Hall.
They reveal that just over 36,000 people visited the two venues during the period – 12,345 fewer than had been predicted in income forecasts drawn up by the council for the two venues at the start of the financial year.
The slump is being blamed on the impact of the economic downturn, with fewer people being prepared to go out.
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But some councillors have claimed an emphasis on one-off shows is also proving to be a turn-off.
During the period, the New Theatre only staged five productions that ran for more than three nights.
They included David Essex's All The Fun Of The Fair, Northern Ballet's Beauty And The Beast and Beverley Musical Theatre's production of Annie.
One-night shows at the venue ranged from folk singer Mike Harding to psychic Sally Morgan.
The City Hall's early spring programme featured four orchestral concerts as well as one-off shows by the Real Thing, tribute band the Beautiful Couch and former X-Factor finalist Andy Abraham.
Speaking at a council value for money scrutiny commission, Councillor Helena Spencer said: "I am extremely concerned by the figures from the City Hall and the New Theatre, because they just seem to be going down and down."
Having attended several shows at both venues last year when she was the city's Lady Mayoress, she said the latest audience figures only confirmed a continuing trend.
She said: "From my own experience, I know getting bums on seats, however you manage to do it, either through last-minute ticket deals or giving away free tickets, is a lot better than having lots of empty seats at a performance."
Councillor David Gemmell blamed recent line-ups for the slump. He said: "I believe some of the recent programming has been dire.
"We have gone from having very big shows to lots of one-off shows.
"You can't really develop an audience when you have so many one-off shows."
A review of activities at the two venues carried out by a panel of councillors three years ago recommended developing more commercial opportunities, particularly at times when the buildings were not being used for shows.
But Councillor Abi Bell said it was not clear whether any of the panel's recommendations had been carried out.
"For all we know, it might not have made a blind bit of difference," she said.
"These new figures are very worrying."
Comments
by gavmondo
Monday, September 24 2012, 10:19PM
“The city halls problem is the low quality artists been booked. No disrespect but people just ain't going to pay silly money to see a local tribute act and a x factor runner up. What happened as back in the eighties and nineties international acts such has iron maiden, ozzy osbourne, motorhead regulary appeared. These bands were at the top of their game at this point so why can't we attract top acts anymore? Not seen the autumn programme but i expect it to include a naff sixties group with none of the original members, a cover group that should stick to pubs, a swing band for the over nineties and finally in December, status quo on their annual holiday from the retirement home . Still at least the quo always pull a crowd. Come on city council, give us a programme that makes real music fans want to visit, and no more x wannabes.”
by dismayed_hull
Monday, September 24 2012, 8:27PM
“The low attendances could also have something to do with the new ticket office being in the all-purpose council building. The amount of time spent queuing in there, to buy a ticket, is on a par with actually watching a show.”
by slinkycat
Monday, September 24 2012, 6:52PM
“Noseyparker sometimes you can get cheap tickets for Saturday Matinee shows. down side is you have to queue for them before the show starts and they open the desk in the Theatre for standby tickets about 30 minutes before curtain up. The standby tickets are a fraction of the full price tickets and well worth looking at if there is something on you would like to see. The seats are at the back but you still get a good view. We have saved quite a bit of money doing it this way which means we can go more often.”
by noseyparker87
Monday, September 24 2012, 6:18PM
“It is far too expensive, We're a family of 5 we couldn't justify spending such a large amount of money unless it was a BIG act/show.”
by india7
Monday, September 24 2012, 6:08PM
“Hull city Council need to get real, the New Theatre is too isolated, it is in an area that resembles a ghost town and It is also too expensive.”
by HoratioNelson
Monday, September 24 2012, 12:18PM
“Hull New Theatre needs to be refurbished urgently. The seats are uncomfortable and at an angle where if someone taller than 4'11 sits in front of you, you can't see the stage properly. For this reason, I very rarely go there now. I am not paying those sort of prices for a terrible view and a bad back.
The quality of the productions also has to be examined. I looked at programme for the next six months or so and it was appalling.”
by olly8910
Monday, September 24 2012, 11:38AM
“Since the new management came in they only book "club acts" we would willingly play fair money for good shows but they just aren't there so we have to go further afield. The new management need to listen to the staff who know what sells when booking shows as well as patrons who would support the theatre if we could see good plays,musicals or artists.”
by Maccy_george
Monday, September 24 2012, 9:20AM
“They do get some good acts/shows on at the New Theatre but Hull City Hall just seems to be an endless list of old has-beens from the 60's & 70's.
As other people have mentioned, the Brid Spa puts the Hull City Hall to shame.
Take a look at the adverts in the paper/internet & she how many decent acts are touring, yet none of them are coming to Hull.
Top 10 City my ar5e!”
by beverleybard
Sunday, September 23 2012, 4:19PM
“I feel that the main factor in the downturn in audience figures, and it is the same at other places of entertainment (e.g Hull City) is the price of tickets. Greedy sportsmen and entertainers (some hardly better than mediocre) are now asking too much to make an appearance and, consequently, people are voting with their feet. The answer is - charge less for tickets and the venues will be full. This will provide a similar amount of revenue but will result in more from greater ancillary sales. So everyone is a winner!”
by David_Nivea
Sunday, September 23 2012, 3:38PM
“If you put crépe on, such as glorified pub act tribute bands, no-one will bother to come out and watch it.
Plus of course, the parking is dire around the New Theatre, much of the previously available space being swallowed up by the History Centre, which put an end the car parkioff Mason Street and the Wilberforce Medical centre which has drastically reduced the size of Albion Street car park. Don't planners ever consider the consequence of one action on to another?
If people can't drive they won't go.
Simple really.”