Is this the final curtain for Spotlites Theatre Company?

The fate of a Chatham based theatre, providing acting classes for people with learning difficulties for over 30 years, remains in limbo after access to their carpark could be blocked.

A large-scale development plan was put in for 231 flats housed in two six and ten storey blocks on the former Buzz Bingo Hall site.

This could mean those who use the council-run Union Place car park, like Spotlites Theatre Company in Chatham High Street, would lose access to it.

Aimee Riddell, co-owner of the performing arts workshop believes that a gaping hole will be left behind once the theatre draws its curtains. She says that they: ‘play an integral part in the town’s cultural role.’

A questionnaire conducted by her husband Kieron Riddell, found that nearly 80% of their students would leave if they lost access to the car park.

Cllr Vince Maple whilst speaking at a council meeting last night called upon Donard Living, ‘to think again, otherwise they will have on their hands the potential loss of a much-loved, well-established youth theatre company in Medway.’

Mr Riddell is still negotiating with the property developing company, and still needs to arrive at an agreement to ensure the safety of their pupils and to also negotiate a drop off zone for their disabled students.

The theatre is still on the mend after the blows in business during the pandemic and now during the cost-of-living crisis.

Grace Kendall, a former pupil at the acting workshop said, ‘they helped me become the person I am today, if it wasn’t for them, I would still be super shy and not be able to speak to people I don’t know well.’

The co-founders have set up a GoFundMe page to aid covering the costs to keep the theatre afloat whilst negotiations are in place.