More than 700 people were the first to view the new programme for the Theatre Severn on the Chronicle website last week. These are just some of the comments received from readers.
Disappointed by new threatre programme - Colin Sinclair, Via email.
I read with interest your article on the 2009 events for our new theatre in the town.
I’ve always been an advocate of the project and was keen to see big national acts coming to Shrewsbury.
But I was disappointed not only with the variety of acts (a large bias towards theatre and family shows) and also the number of what I would consider famous acts, particularly given the hype during the planning stages.
I appreciate this is a theatre, but with the closure of the Music Hall and the promises made in the early days, it has has fallen short of its promise to promote the variety and quality of nationally-recognised acts.
I read the theatre has downgraded the seats from the original 1,200 to only 650, so perhaps it is no wonder that the big acts have chosen to go elsewhere.
For those that are performing, it is no surprise the ticket prices are significantly higher than other places. For example, Theatre Severn charges £35 for James Morrison, compared with £17.50 - £21.50 in the half dozen other venues he plays.
Likewise, The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are usually from £9 elsewhere, but a massive £34 in Shrewsbury!
With very few seats and massive prices compared with other venues for big acts, this confirms to me the future of the theatre will be unsustainable in this regard and Shrewsbury will continue to host events like we’ve always had at the Music Hall.
I attended some of the early public meetings where things looked promising, but it seems those steering the direction of the new theatre have lost their way and perhaps lack the outside experience to develop the facility they set off to achieve. I would be interested to know of similar projects this team has run previously ?
On a final note I do like the look of the theatre, but as I can’t see it from my front window I’d have preferred the council to give me back my share of the £28 million.
Where is the great line-up? - Pete Mitchell.
Having waited for ages in huge anticipation for the so called great line-up at the new theatre, my thoughts and disbelief fell like a lead balloon.
When is the great line-up coming?
What is the added difference from that of the old Music Hall? What a let down, I agree there may be the odd act but I can honestly say I cannot see me spending a single penny.
Oakengates has a smaller venue and by far has better acts.
The booking agents for this theatre should hold their heads in shame.
What happened to big names? - Dave Barrow.
RE the new theatre programme: what a load of rubbish.
Is this what we are wasting our money on.
What happened to the big names we were sold the project on?