A STRUGGLING theatre has been forced to temporarily close its doors as it faces up to a cash-crisis.

Darlington’s Majestic Theatre announced the decision on its Facebook page today.

A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) was presented on behalf of the company running the theatre, on Bondgate, for 51p in the pound to be re-paid, but rejected by creditors.

It has been made clear that the decision only impacts on the theatre – all other businesses in the building remain open as usual.

The spokesman for the Majestic Theatre said: “We would like to announce to the public that the Majestic Theatre will be shutting their doors until further notice. The business that ran the theatre has now moved.

“The Majestic Theatre is now undergoing a period of refurbishment ready for a new business, with a new management team to settle in. We are planning on opening real soon and will be announced as soon as we have a date. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of our Grand Re-opening events.

“Shows that are on our website will continue as normal, such as Peter Pan, Uneducated and A Night Amongst The Stars. If you have booked an event or show with us they will also still go ahead as advertised.

“We are asking events managers and companies that have bookings at the theatre to contact us regarding their event so we can inform the new business to ensure a smooth transition.

“Please note Darlington College Performing Arts, Act 2 Cams and Bondgate Players will still be running as normal.

“Please note that although we are shut Magic and Mayhem is still open for business.”

Earlier this month, Raymond Sharkey, of Cumbria-based Thank Abba For The Music, which performs Abba tribute shows, said he was owed more than a thousand pounds and confirmed he had rejected the CVA.

While the Circus of Horrors is still owed thousands of pounds after they didn’t receive their promised cut of door receipts from a show they put on at the theatre.

In February, Matt Campbell, who took over the running of the theatre in April 2017, admitted the company had been struggling to pay monies owed to acts that were already booked.

  • A soft play centre on the ground floor of the theatre building, Magic and Mayhem, is run independently from the theatre and is operating normally.