Decision details

The Strategic Arts and Culture Manager provided the Cabinet with outlines a proposal to develop a digital production of ‘Aladdin’ for RCT Theatres to be shared with the community in December 2021. The officer noted the continued uncertainty regarding the reopening of theatres and stated that the proposal would enable RCT Theatres to plan effectively to secure and produce a joyous digital Christmas offer, free of charge for the residents of RCT.

The officer advised that the proposal had been costed at £75,000 and as an Arts Council of Wales Portfolio client in receipt of revenue funding, £45,000 would be allocated from the budget. It was explained that if the production was to be a fully online and it was to remain free of charge, then no income would be generated. However, if the situation were to improve and theatres were allowed to open during the festive period, the production could be screened as a cinema offer within RCT Theatres and there would be potential to generate an income through ticket sales.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being & Cultural Services noted that like many other sectors, the Arts and Culture sector had suffered over the past year, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and commended the officers for adapting their work to meet the needs of the residents. The Cabinet Member was pleased to note that the 2020 digital production of ‘Once Upon a Time’ had reached 10,101 views and 205 new subscribers to the newly established RCT Theatres’ YouTube channel, which demonstrated the demand for such provision.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure & Heritage Services echoed the previous comments and stressed the need for positivity at Christmas during such a challenging time.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To consider the content of the report;

2.    To approve the proposal to produce a digital Christmas offer of Aladdin to share online during December 2021 and the additional budget of £30,000 to deliver the production and make it available to view free of charge via the Council’s social media channels; and

3.    To postpone the live pantomime production of ‘Dick Whittington’ until December 2022.