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Rt Hon Jack Straw MP

The theatre has received good wishes on its centenary from the right Honorable Jack Straw MP.   In a letter from the Constituency Office in Blackburn, Mr Straw said that 'A hundred years for any organisations is an incredible achievement, moreover a testament to all those past and present that have worked to keep this theatre alive'

Letter from Rt Hon Jack Straw MP

Letter from Rt Hon Jack Straw MP

Chief Executive, Harriet Roberts was delighted to receive the letter and to pass on the congratulations to all the volunteers.  She has invited the MP and Secretary of State for Justice to visit the venue during the centenary celebrations.  In a letter she has asked Mr Straw to put a date in his diary to meet the team and see the theatre for himself during 2010.

The Right Hon Jack Straw MP

Constituency Office

Richmond Chambers

Richmond Terrace

Blackburn

BB1 7AS   

 

Dear Mr Straw

Thank you for your letter of 27 February and your good wishes to the theatre on our forthcoming Centenary Celebrations in 2010.  I have had the pleasure of managing the theatre, as Chief Executive, for just over two years now and the project is certainly a testament to the vision and dedication of the band of volunteers without whom we wouldn't have such a marvellous community venue.

When I first started, there were three things that I was told would never happen at The Empire and there's nothing I like better like a challenge.

Firstly I was informed that Blackburn Musical Theatre Company would never perform their annual musical in the venue. Last year they moved from Oswaldtwistle to the Empire and not only have they had a nomination in the region's NODA awards but it has paved the way for other groups and we now have four musicals this year.

Secondly, I was told that the National Lottery would never fund the theatre and as you know we have been given nearly £50K for an exciting programme of community activities.

The third thing I was told is that although many have tried, we have so far been unsuccessful at getting a visit from you, Mr Jack Straw.  As you can gather, I am not deterred by a challenge. It would be a wonderful experience not just for you but also for all the volunteers that have dedicated their time to a venue that is truly ‘for the community by community'.   

So I'm asking, please please please would you fix it for me to prove them wrong once again, and make an appointment to visit the venue and meet the volunteers.  Maybe you could put a date in your diary sometime between now and the end of 2010?   As an extra incentive, my predecessor and Board Director, Michael Berry has said that if I can arrange this he will show his you know what in Debenham's window and that, I believe, is an opportunity not to be missed.

Yours sincerely

Harriet Roberts,

Chief Executive

 

Release Date: Monday 23 April 2009