UNCERTAINTY surrounding the future of Lancaster's Dukes Theatre was heightened this week when a leading light at the theare said she didn't not know if they could survive the current financial crisis. The Administrative Director of the Dukes, Mary Caws, refused to rule out the possibility that the theatre will have to close its doors if it fails in its bid for a £130,000 grant. Theatre bosses are applying for the money from the Arts Board after a "difficult" financial year. If successful the money will go to clear debts at the theatre which were partly caused by bad weather during the summer promenade season at Williamson Park. But Dukes board member, Cllr Eileen Blamire, was more optimistic and said there was no threat of total closure. Speaking about the possibility of the Williamson Park plays being cancelled she said: "We would hate to do that. They bring in large audiences."

She added: "It would clear accumulated debts. All theatres are having problems with debts. It would be a great help to us. We're the only producing theatre in Lancashire.

"The North West Arts Board is sympathetic to the idea. We are making more money and selling more tickets ourselves but the funding has stood still so we never get further ahead. That means we can't put on productions with lots of actors which are more popular. It's a vicious circle.

"There's no threat of closure but it's a worry. We want financial stability."

Last week member Cllr Jean Yates was reported saying the NWAB is favouring venues in Liverpool and Manchester.

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