Theatre groups in Dudley have raised concerns about what they describe as unfair treatment by Dudley Council, prompting an upcoming meeting aimed at improving relations between the parties.
Representatives from Stourbridge Operatic Society and Cradley Heath Operatic Society addressed the council’s Communities and Growth Scrutiny Committee on 28 September to highlight ongoing difficulties with the ticket sales system and booking processes for Stourbridge Town Hall.
David Gregory, treasurer of Stourbridge Operatic Society, outlined significant increases in venue costs over the past decade, stating that a week’s run of shows has more than doubled in price, from approximately £3,500 to £7,500. He also criticised the council for imposing its Borough Halls ticketing system, which requires groups to use a paid service rather than a previously free platform called Seaty.
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“Voluntary groups like ours had been using a free online ticketing service, but now we have to use the council’s system, which takes a percentage of ticket sales,” said Mr Gregory. “There is a noticeable discrepancy in commission rates; our society and Cradley Heath Operatic Society pay three per cent, while another society has been charged seven per cent. We believe this lack of uniformity is unfair to the groups involved.”
Michelle Cassells of Cradley Heath Operatic Society added concerns about booking delays, reporting that requests for performance dates made up to two years in advance were met with responses months later indicating unavailability.
“There does not appear to be a consistent procedure for booking the town hall, and we often have to follow up repeatedly to secure dates,” Ms Cassells explained.
Anne Boyd, Dudley’s director for growth and place, acknowledged the issues raised but did not provide direct answers during the meeting. Instead, she offered an apology and expressed a desire to meet with the groups to better understand their challenges and collaborate on solutions.
“We are here to serve and want to work with you. Your support is valued by both the council and the town hall,” Ms Boyd said.
Councillor Andrew Tromans, present to support the operatic societies, emphasised that the meeting aimed to “reset the relationship between the groups that use the hall and the council officers.”