The Oscar-winning actress, Dame Judi Dench has backed a campaign opposing the sale of the Broadstairs Memorial Hall by Reform UK-controlled Kent County Council. The hall is home to the Sarah Thorne Theatre, meaning its sale risks the future of the theatre under a private owner.
The campaign, being spearheaded by local Labour councillors and the Labour MP for East Thanet, Polly Billington MP, is calling on Kent County Council to abandon their plans to sell the building out from beneath the Sarah Thorne Theatre’s feet.
Reform UK won power in Kent after alleging rampant overspending was responsible for recent council tax increases. However, since coming to office they have been strongly criticised for having no plan and for failing to make meaningful savings, while instead proceeding with previous Conservative plans to sell off youth centres and cultural venues in some of the most deprived parts of Kent, including Thanet.
Dame Judi Dench, who is a Patron of the theatre, said she was “horrified” to hear of the planned sale. In a statement, she said:
“I was horrified to hear that the freehold of the building that houses the Sarah Thorne Theatre has been put up for auction by Kent County Council. I understand that Michael Wheatley-Ward has a lease for five years, but this sale would obviously put the future of the theatre in jeopardy. It would be a tremendous loss to the local community and every effort should be made to secure its future.”
Founder and Director of the Sarah Thorne Theatre, Michael Wheatley-Ward, said:
“It would be sad to see the Broadstairs Memorial Hall sold by Kent County Council, because I want to ensure the Sarah Thorne Theatre has a stable and secure home. My preferred option has always been to move the theatre to a Charitable Trust, leaving the Sarah Thorne Theatre Company to operate the site”
Labour MP for East Thanet, Polly Billington MP, said:
“Community theatre was so important to me as a child. Performance spaces like the Sarah Thorne Theatre give people the opportunity to express themselves and appreciate local talent. They need to be treasured and preserved, not flogged off to the highest bidder.
“Reform UK promised to find magical efficiency savings in Kent, but now vital community assets like the Sarah Thorne Theatre are being put at risk to pay for their broken promises. Council Leader Linden Kemkaran needs to get a grip of this shambolic council and halt this fire sale of this treasured local asset.”