Comedian Jim Davidson has today spoken of his fears for the future of seaside theatres following the announcement that the Spa Pavilion could close in June unless vital funding is found.
The popular comic, who starred in TV shows Big Break and the Generation Game, is a regular performer at seaside theatres doing stand-up routines and pantos.
He has appeared at the Spa in the past and is due to return to the venue for a stand-up show in March
Today Davidson said it would be a shame if Felixstowe lost the historic Spa Pavilion.
He said: “It is a shame that Felixstowe will be losing its main theatre.
“Having said that, these old theatres don’t last forever and they cost a fortune to keep.”
Some groups have already come forward with ideas for the under-threat building after Suffolk Coastal District Council revealed it could no longer afford the financial commitment.
Trevor Lockwood, a director of the Media Fish Network, wants to transform the 900-seater venue, and use it as a community building by securing a mortgage-type arrangement with the Charity Bank.
However Davidson believes that without help from the council there is little chance of anyone being able to step in and run the theatre.
He said: “Unless the council step in and pay for everything there’s not much chance of an entrepreneur being able to run the theatre and make any profit.
“It’ll be a shame to see the old place go but to be fair it’s older than some of my jokes!”
The Evening Star’s petition to save the Spa Pavilion has already received more than 600 signatures since it was launched earlier this month.
If you would like to sign the petition please visit the Evening Star’s Felixstowe office at 172 Hamilton Road, or there are also petition forms available at the Spa Pavilion.
Alternatively, there is an online petition available at www.savethespa.com
n Why do you want the Spa to stay open? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or alternatively you can send an e-mail to us at eveningstarletters@evening star.co.uk
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