By Conor Sharkey
DESPITE generating net costs of almost £372,000 in its first year, the Alley Theatre is providing local ratepayers with value for money, Strabane Council said this week.
Since opening in March last year, the Alley has brought some of the biggest names in Irish showbusiness to a local audience. And while the wealth of talent has been enjoyed by thousands, it has come at a cost.
In its first year, the theatre's income was less than £100,000, while the net cost generated ran to £371,916.
But while at first glance the cost may prompt concerns, particularly in the current financial climate, compared to other similar outlets the Alley fares quite favourably.
Cookstown's 350 seater Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre has been in operation for more than a decade and still runs up annual net costs of £317,953. Meanwhile Omagh's Strule Arts Centre will require an annual input of close to half a million pounds to stay afloat over the coming years.
According to information provided to the Strabane Chronicle, the £372,000 pumped into the Alley since last March was well within the allocated budget. And according to Council chairman Jarlath McNulty the concept behind the facility was always about advancing arts and culture at a local level as opposed to simply generating cold, hard cash.
"The Alley plays an important role in the regeneration of Strabane District and it has contributed significantly to the quality of life of the ratepayers here. It has increased our access to a range of arts, cultural and musical events, gives us another evening entertainment option and has enhanced our strong community spirit.
"Like all council facilities, the Alley is there to provide a service to the community. It was not built with the sole aim to create a profit.
"Nevertheless, we are extremely pleased with the Alley's performance to date and it has exceeded many of our expectations. We are happy that local people have embraced this facility. It has won many awards, is a beacon of local community achievement and a thriving centre of artistic and cultural activity.
" It has assisted Strabane winning a 'Pride of Place' award in 2007 and has enabled us to enhance the reputation of this area. Ultimately, the Alley assists us in our overall aim to make Strabane district a better place, to live, work and invest in and we are entirely satisfied that it provides the ratepayer with value for money."
Echoing the chairman's confidence, theatre Manager John Kerr said he hoped the Alley had played a part in the development of the District's young children, via the numerous school productions staged there.
Mr Kerr added: "Since opening in March 2007 we have been delighted with the way that the venue has been embraced by both patrons and performers.
Strabane audiences have gained a superb reputation with performers who have enjoyed the warm reception received in the Alley theatre.
For instance, we have had many memorable nights of comedy in the Alley with the guest comedians often commenting on the fantastic interaction that they had been able to strike up with their audience.
"The success of the Alley to date has been largely due to the people of Strabane and the wider District who have supported the venue both as patrons and as active arts practitioners who have utilised the venue to bring the highest quality arts and entertainment to the heart of Strabane," he added.
