THE show is to go on at one of the region's famous theatres, even though it has gone on the market.

Scarborough Borough Council and Clear Channel Entertainment have agreed that the Futurist Theatre will operate under their current arrangement until the end of next year's summer season.

In the meantime, the authority will market the building to find developers to put forward proposals for it.

The council is to concentrate its efforts on the retention of the Spa Complex as its principal theatre and conference venue.

The position will be reviewed at the end of the summer season and the current arrangements could be extended to prevent the theatre "going dark".

Chief executive John Trebble said the council and Clear Channel had worked for the past five years to keep the Futurist open.

"Five years ago there was a very real risk of the Futurist closing due to declining audiences and major expenditure required just to keep the building going, but both parties have made every effort to keep entertainment alive in the Futurist," he said.

"We have now reached the point where it is no longer appropriate to continue with the Futurist on a long-term basis.

"As far as the borough council is concerned, we have other major commitments, not least the retention of the Spa as an entertainment and conference venue for the future."