Drama groups join row over hire fees (From Penarth Times)

Drama groups join row over hire fees

ANOTHER Penarth drama group have added their voice to the row over the Paget Rooms hiring fees.

Concerto Entertainment, who are based in the town, regularly use the venue which is managed by the local council, for both rehearsals and performance.

Now they have joined Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) in expressing concern over the cost of putting on a performance.

Producer of the group, Joy Hughes, said: "Concerto Entertainments are fully in agreement with the remarks made in last week's Penarth Times by Brian Gardner, with regard to the high costs of rental of the Paget Rooms and fully support that Penarth-based companies should be granted a discount by the council."

"We are a leading musical society in Penarth who also give a service and are big hirers of the Paget Rooms, performing three or more major shows a year, as well as many charity shows and a Christmas show.

"We are appealing to Penarth Town Council for their help for this very forward looking, energetic and hard working company and consider further discounts on hire charges, to enable the company to continue to perform."

"With all the high costs involved, it is a struggle to maintain the high standard we have always presented to the public, but we are very proud of our friendly and caring reputation."

Mrs Hughes warned: "We fully believe the council should consider this urgently, before Penarth people are forced to lose local entertainment of the high standard regularly performed by Concerto."

The headquarters of the group is Westbourne School Hall.

"They are grateful to the school for allowing them to use it.

Penarth Town Council did not wish to make a comment about this issue saying the matter was due to be discussed tonight.